An Investigation on W/ZrC Composite for Using in Solid Fuel Rocket Parts

In this article the W/ZrC composite, as a material suitable for high temperature applications, has been investigated. Considering the difficulties and high costs of the graphitic components, in recent years there was a growing interest to provide low-cost W/ZrC composites as an alternative to carbon- carbon composite. This composite is a promising material for rocket and jet engine components like nozzles, valves, combustion liners, exhaust flaps and leading edges, so its production is the aim of defense industry in most advanced countries, such as the United States, Russia and China. A desirable property for this composite is its inexpensive and simple fabrication method that is feasible with available equipment and facilities within the country. The carbide phase in the composite leads to creep resistance at high temperatures and because of tungsten the flexibility and fracture resistance of composite is high. In this study while the properties of W/ZrC composite are investigated, its application especially in the arms industry is mentioned and finally the methods of fabrication including Hot-press, Displacive Compensation of Porosity and reaction sintering has been studied.