First-principles calculation on the relationships of h-WC/γ-Fe interface.

Abstract The adhesive work, interfacial energy, charge density, charge density difference and layer-projected density of states (DOS) of h-WC(0001)/γ-Fe (111) interfaces were calculated by the first principles method. The structural stability of the interfaces was researched by the adhesive work and interfacial energy of h-WC(0001)/γ-Fe (111) interfaces. The interfacial electronic structures were analyzed by charge density and charge density difference, and the interface bonding characteristics were revealed by Mulliken charges and layer-projected DOS of the interface models. The results show that the work of adhesion for C-terminated HCP stacking interface structure is the largest (W ad = 3.44 J/m2), which indicates that the reversible work used to separate the C-HCP interface into two free surfaces is the largest in all interfaces. When Δμ c changes from −0.37 eV to 0 eV, the interfacial energy of C-terminated HCP stacking interface structure is in the range of 1.186–1.588 J/m2, while that of W-terminated HCP stacking interface structure is in the range of 1.142–1.541 J/m2. When −0.165 eV < Δμ c < 0 eV, the interfacial energy of C-terminated HCP stacking interface is smaller than that of W-terminated one, which indicates the C-terminated HCP stacking interface is more stable. When −0.37 eV < Δμ c < -0.165 eV, W-terminated HCP stacking interface turns to be more stable than C-terminated one. The total charge density of C-terminated HCP stacking interface is much larger than that of W-terminated one, and the degree of ionization of C-terminated HCP interface is also higher. The bonding of C-terminated HCP stacking interface is a mixture of covalent bond, ionic bond and metallic one, while that of W-terminated HCP stacking interface is a mixture of covalent bond and metallic one. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Work of adhesion W ad and interfacial energy γ of h-WC(0001)/γ-Fe (111) interfaces were calculated. • Interfacial electronic structures between h-WC and γ-Fe were analyzed. • Interface bonding characteristics were revealed by Mulliken charges and layer-projected DOS. • The bonding strength between WC particle and various substrates was compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]