| Summary: | A major challenge for alloy applications is to achieve thermal stability of phase transitions and anti-oxidation properties. Given the stability of ceramic nanoparticles, we propose the incorporation of WC nanoparticles as a novel way to tune the thermal stability of Cu-40 wt% Zn, which is an important alloy known as naval brass. In situ XRD and DSC results confirmed the enhanced thermal stability of Cu-40 wt% Zn/10 vol% WC nanocomposites at higher temperatures were observed for both phase transitions and oxidation. The underlying mechanisms behind Zn diffusion during phase change and oxygen contact are discussed to understand the phenomena. Optical profiles along with SEM and FIB images reveal the morphologies and microstructures of different stages and give supporting information for the above argument. Due to the kinetic and dynamic impedance on Zn diffusion and the intrinsic stability of WC, the higher thermal stability in Cu-40 wt% Zn/WC is achieved. This study provides an effective way to tune thermal stability of alloys, control phase change, and vary post-oxidation morphology. Keywords: Metal matrix nanocomposite, Thermal stability, Phase transition, Anti-oxidation, In situ, ZnO
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