A new design strategy for purifying and strengthening W alloy by self-decomposing in-situ nanoparticles

In this work, we creatively introduced MAX additives (Ti2AlC) into W alloy system to break the development bottleneck of ball milling technology: a large amount of oxygen impurities and large-sized second phase particles at grain boundaries (GBs). Unlike traditional oxides/carbides, Ti2AlC can undergo self-decomposition during high-temperature sintering stage (>1400 degrees C) on the basis of hydrogen sintering, and continue to adsorb a number of stubborn oxygen impurities to form various smaller, more dispersed, and stronger in-situ TixCy, TiOx, Al2O3, and AlxTiyOz nanoparticles. Furthermore, these in-situ nanoparticles could maintain stable coherent interfaces with W, thereby more effectively refining, purifying, and strengthening matrix. Compared to traditional W-carbide/oxide alloys, MAX additives render our alloy with high hardness (521 +/- 24 HV0.2), a remarkable combination of high compressive strength (1262.9 +/- 35.1 MPa) and large ductility (9.88%). This work provides a new perspective for the preparation of high-performance refractory metals and relevant engineering application.