Effect of mechanical alloying process on microstructure and mechanical properties of ODS tungsten heavy alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties of mechanically alloyed oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) tungsten heavy alloys were investigated. Three different mechanical alloying processes, such as one-step mechanical alloying process, two-step mechanical alloying process, and mechanical alloying and mixing process, were performed in order to control the microstructure and mechanical properties of ODS tungsten heavy alloys. The partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) dispersoids tend to be dispersed in tungsten grains rather than the binder matrix when the powders were prepared by two-step mechanical alloying or mechanical alloying and mixing process. The yield strength of ODS tungsten heavy alloy increased with decreasing the binder mean thickness, but was not dependent on location of oxide dispersoids. The elongation and high temperature strength of ODS tungsten heavy alloys increased with increasing the content of PSZ dispersoids. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.