Effect of Composition on Mechanical Properties of Mullite-WC Nano Composites Prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering

Mullite-WC composites were prepared from Mullite and WC powders by spark plasma sintering at 1400 °C for a holding time of 180 s under 30 MPa. Microstructure, strength, and hardness of the mullite-WC composites were studied. The mullite-WC composite containing 5-20 wt% WC reached over 94 % theoretical density. The strength and Vickers hardness of mullite-(10 wt%) WC sintered composite reached maximum values of 298 MPa, and 1589 HV, respectively demonstrating that the introduction of WC significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the mullite matrix.