PriMera Scientific Engineering (ISSN: 2834-2550)

Research Article

Volume 7 Issue 3

Tailoring the Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Ti-Zr-Based Carbide Composites via Spark Plasma Sintering: Impact of Molybdenum and Tungsten Additions

Badis Bendjemil*, Lassaad AjiliI, Khaoula Safi, Sinda Sassi, Mounir Ferhi and Karima Horchani Naifer

September 03, 2025

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Abstract

This study aims to explore the microstructural and compositional evolution of Ti/Zr-based carbide composites fabricated via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), focusing on the effects of molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W) doping. Binary (Ti-C, Zr-C), ternary (Ti-Zr-C), and quaternary (Ti-Zr-C-Mo, Ti-Zr-C-W) systems were synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of face-centered cubic (FCC) NaCl-type carbide phases and progressive solid solution formation upon dopant incorporation. SEM revealed that Mo doping promotes submicron grain refinement and full densification, while W doping induces the in situ formation of WC nanoparticles, enhancing matrix cohesion and hardness. EDS confirmed homogeneous elemental distributions and successful dopant integration without significant oxidation. The undoped Ti-Zr-C composite exhibited phase separation beneficial for crack deflection but showed grain size heterogeneity. Overall, Mo and W offer complementary mechanisms for improving the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti/Zr-based carbide composites. These findings provide a foundation for the design of next-generation ceramic materials tailored for cutting tools and ballistic protection applications.

Keywords: TiC-ZrC composites; Field Assisted Spark Plasma Sintering (FAST-SPS); Carbon nanotubes (CNTs); Nano-tungsten carbide (NWC); Finale microstructure; Mechanical properties; Ballistic performance

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