Incorporation of Tungsten Metal Fibers in a Metal and Ceramic Matrix

V. Brožek, T. F. Kubatík, Institute of Plasma Physics CAS v.v.i. Prague, Czech Republic M. Vokáč, J. Kolísko, P. Pokorný, Czech Technical University Klokner Institute, Prague. Tungsten fibers have high tensile strength but a poor oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. Using this first characteristic and to prevent oxidation of tungsten coated composite materials in which the primary requirement: reinforcement against destruction or deformation, was studied on tungsten fibers and tungsten wires which were coated by applying the metal and ceramic powders via plasma spraying device in plasma generator WSP®. Deposition took place in an atmosphere of Ar + 7 % H2, sufficient to reduce the oxidized trace amounts of tungsten.