Structure and microhardness of binding for diamond tools based on tungsten carbide obtained by impregnation of iron-carbon melt

In this work, an experimental modeling of the technology for producing a matrix by sintering a diamond-containing briquette with a filler of tungsten monocarbide powder impregnated with a Fe-C eutectic melt in a vacuum is carried out. The microstructure, elemental and phase compositions of the products formed in the process of sintering a diamond-containing matrix with impregnation with a Fe-C eutectic melt in vacuum have been studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectral and X-ray phase analyzes, and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that the matrix consists of 61.0% tungsten carbide phases, 17.0% of iron carbide, 16.5% of α-Fe, and 5.5% of graphite. The eutectic Fe-C alloy, which serves as a matrix binder, consists of a ferrite-pearlite metal base with graphite inclusions. It is shown that at the diamond - matrix interface, graphite inclusions are formed not as a continuous layer, but as discontinuous areas along the perimeter of diamond grains. The microhardness of the WC-based matrix impregnated with the Fe-C melt is ~ 11 GPa, which is more than 3 times higher than the microhardness of the WC-Co-Cu hard alloy matrix obtained by sintering with copper impregnation.The research results can be used in the development of technology for the manufacture of wear-resistant matrices of diamond tools of a wide class used in the processing of materials with a high level of hardness.

Tracking the origin of ultralow velocity zones at the base of Earth's mantle

ABSTRACT Origins of the ultralow velocity zones may be classified by their velocity-reduction-ratio, R = δlnVS/δlnVP, which ranges from 1.2–1.5 for iron oxides or iron-enriched magnesium oxides, 1.6–2.0 for pyrite-type FeO2Hx, 2.3–2.8 for the eutectic melt of Fe + C, 2.7–3.1 for partial melt of (Mg, Fe)SiO3 + Fe to 3.5–4.5 for iron-rich post-perovskite.

INTERACTION OF TITANIUM DIOXIDE WITH EUTECTIC MELT NaCl - CaCl2

The results of studies of the interaction of titanium dioxide with the eutectic melt of (0.48) NaCl–(0.52) CaCl2 (mol.) in the temperature range of 823–1073 K are shown. It is established that the interaction of titanium dioxide with the melt of sodium chlorides and calcium is accompanied by the formation in the salt phase of titanium compounds soluble in 1.0% solution of hydrochloric acid, and in the solid residue is recorded calcium titanate, and the number of products formed in both phases substantially. At temperatures above 923 K is formed calcium titanate, the relative amount of which increases with increasing temperature by reducing the equilibrium content of titanium compounds in the salt phase. At temperatures below 923 K, calcium titanate was not detected in the interaction products, and the content of titanium compounds in the salt phase was higher than at higher temperatures. The absence of calcium titanate in the solid residue after prolonged isothermal contact of TiO2 with the NaCl-CaCl2 melt in the temperature range 823–923 K may be due to the fact that at such temperatures, the dissolution of titanium dioxide occurs by physical mechanism or by a mixed physicochemical mechanism. The results of the calculations by the Schroe­der-Le Chatelier equation support this. In the specified temperature range, the concentration of titanium compounds increases with tempe­rature. Starting from 923 K the nature of the interaction between titanium dioxide and the melt changes. Apparently at such temperatures (923–1073 K), the contribution of the chemical interaction between the components accompanied by the formation of calcium metatanate and volatile titanium compounds is dominant. The quantitative content of the phase, which in composition in the solid residue is identified as CaTiO3, increases, and the number of titanium compounds in the salt phase (based on TiO2) decreases. The change of isobaric isothermal potential (∆G) in the temperature range of 300–1300 K of the exchange reactions between sodium chloride and calcium and titanium oxide is positive, so self-directed course is unlikely. The lowest Gibbs free energy values correspond to the reaction of the interaction of calcium chloride with titanium dioxide to form titanate or calcium oxide and tetrachloride or titanium oxochloride.

Mechanism of destruction of the Al–Al4C3–Al2O3 alumo-matrix dispersion-hardened composite material with a layered structure on static and shock loading

Alumo-matrix dispersion-hardened composite materials are widely used in engineering due to the combination of high strength and low density, allowing the production of lightweight endurable structural elements for various purposes. They are used for manufacturing abrasive, triboengineering products, parts of the internal combustion engine cylinder-piston group, airframe and other special products. The paper is aimed to study the fracture mechanism of a layered dispersion-hardened Al–Al2O3–Al4C3 composite on static loading and impact. Specimens were obtained by liquid phase sintering of PAP-2 powder blanks in a vacuum. The liquid phase was formed due to Al–Al4C3 eutectic melt. The layered structure appeared due to the liquid-phase splicing of PAP-2 scaly particles along the contacting planes. Dispersion hardening of aluminum matrix was achieved due to nanosized lamellar alumocarbide crystals precipitated from the eutectic melt on cooling. The synthesis of alumina crystals – δ-Al2O3 – occurred due to the interaction of aluminum with residual oxygen molecules of the air on sintering at the furnace rarefaction of 10–5 mm Hg. The stable destruction of samples by the «shear stratification» mechanism was found to occur under static loading accompanied by the formation of cavities due to tearing of layered blocks under the action of shear stresses (σb = 430÷500 MPa, K1s = 14.0÷ ÷15.5 MPa·m1/2) At shock loading, a significant amount of material is involved in the fracture accompanied by the formation of cleavage steps between layered blocks and extended regions of ductile fracture dimples. Thanks to this mechanism, a high KCU (1.1·105 J/m2) is achieved comparable with that of the VT-5L titanium alloy. The developed composite can be used for manufacturing lightweight structural elements operated under dynamic loading.