Microstructure, High-Temperature Wear, and Corrosion Behaviors of UNS R56320-xWC Composite Fabricated through Powder Metallurgy

Microwave sintering (MS) technology is used to fabricate UNS R56320 (Ti-3Al-2.5V)-xWC composite at 1200 °C. In the matrix, tungsten carbide (WC) is reinforced with various weight percentages of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. A field emission scanning electron microscope is used to characterize the composites (FE-SEM). X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the composites’ phase analysis (XRD). Microstructure, wear at high temperatures, and corrosion behavior are evaluated. For the composites at different temperatures of 30 °C, 50 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C, and 200 °C, the high-temperature wear is examined. The outcomes show improvements in the behaviors of corrosion and wear at high temperatures. TAFEL polarization is used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the composites in a neutral chloride solution (3.5% NaCl). The composite material UNS R56320-2WC has a maximum wear rate of 0.49 × 10⁻³ mm³/m and a coefficient of friction of 0.50. A higher level of corrosion resistance than other composites is also possessed by UNS R56320-2WC composite.