Influence of high-dispersive powder mixture of WC and TiC on the composite materials properties

Introduction. The purpose of the research is to study the effect of a high-dispersive powder mixture of WC, TiC, obtained from recycling of hard-alloy manufactured articles from TK group (titanium-tungsten alloys), on the change in the structural and physical and mechanical properties of cement materials. Materials and research methods. WC, TiC Powder (particle size 20–150 nm, agglomerates 300 nm – 1.5 μm) was added to the cement mortar by partial replacement of cement in various concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% by mass. The basic physical and mechanical properties of the cement paste and obtained cement materials were studied in accordance with standard methods, taking into account regulatory documents of Russian and foreign standards. Thermokinetic, X-ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscope investigation with an integrated system of energy-dispersive analysis were also applied. Results and discussion. It has been proved that highly dispersed WC, TiC powder additive to cement materials leads to increase in density, paste fluidity, reduction in setting time, decrease in water absorption, porosity, and increase in strength characteristics both in early and later periods of hardening. A highly dispersed additive promotes earlier hydration. The structure of the cement sample with powder additive is denser throughout the considered periods of hardening compared to the control sample. Conclusion. The obtained results are of great importance for understanding the action mechanism on cement materials of highly-dispersed particles of WC, TiC, which can later be used to improve the properties of composite cement-based materials in various fields of application.