Microstructure and tribological properties of carburized 95W–3.5Ni–1.0Fe–0.5Co heavy alloy

Tungsten heavy alloys (WHAs) produced by powder technology are widely used for the mechanical manufacturing, electronic and defense components, etc. Tribological properties of these alloys need to be improved to meet the severe service conditions demanded. Carburization is a promising way to resolve this problem. In this work, microstructure and tribological properties of the carburized 95W–3.5Ni–1.0Fe–0.5Co heavy alloy were investigated in comparison with those of the untreated alloy. Results show that the carburized layer consists of a porous, outer WC layer and a modified W grain layer surrounded by Fe6W6C and Co6W6C at 970 °C, regardless of the carburizing time. The depth of the carburized layer linearly increases in a relatively short time and slightly increases during the subsequent period. Surface roughness increases with carburizing time. Carburization can stabilize friction coefficient and effectively improve the wear resistance of the tungsten heavy alloy due to its significantly increased hardness and non-deformability, but the porous structure in the WC layer has a negative influence on its wear resistance. The carburized layer is damaged in the porous WC layer in the form of the spalling of WC particles where there are some microcracks and micropores, accompanied with peeling due to the solid tribofilm being pushed away.