Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Gamma-Ray Shielding of a High-Density W-Ni-Fe Alloy: Effects of Liquid-Phase Sintering Parameters

This study investigates the development of a high-density W-Ni-Fe alloy using liquid-phase sintering and examines its microstructure and mechanical properties. Critical parameters, including sintering time and heating rate, were optimized to achieve enhanced density, microhardness, tensile strength, and γ-ray shielding properties. The results show that optimal sintering conditions (45 min at a heating rate of 30 K/min and a sintering temperature of 1753 K) lead to a uniform dispersion of tungsten particles, with a high-volume fraction of tungsten in the matrix and enhanced bonding within the γ(Ni-Fe) matrix. The alloy achieved a density of 16.99 g/cm3 and exhibited superior mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 846.66 MPa and an elongation of 10.5%, as well as excellent γ-ray attenuation capabilities. These results demonstrate its suitability for nuclear applications.