A STUDY OF NICKEL REINFORCED WITH TUNGSTEN WIRES, A POTENTIAL HIGH TEMPERATURE MATERIAL

This study investigates the fabrication and mechanical properties of a composite material comprising a nickel matrix reinforced with continuous tungsten fibers, aiming at high-temperature applications such as in gas turbines. Using a liquid infiltration method, specimens with a diameter of 3 mm and length of 10-15 cm were produced, achieving a fiber volume percent of up to 50%, with fiber diameters of 0.5 mm. Mechanical testing revealed that the tensile strength aligns with the law of mixtures; however, strengths were notably low below 300-400°C, while remaining acceptable at temperatures reaching approximately 1000°C. Additionally, the creep strength at 800 and 900°C was in accordance with theoretical expectations for such composite structures. Laboratory-scale fabrication showed that the method is capable of producing composites with acceptable quality, although the initiation of recrystallization within the tungsten fibers presents an unresolved challenge. Overall, the findings suggest that the composite demonstrates brittle behavior only at temperatures below around 1400°C, indicating its potential applicability in high-temperature environments.