The α-WC(0001) surface and β-SiC(111)/α-WC(0001) interface were studied by first-principles calculation based on density functional theory. It is demonstrated that the α-WC(0001) surface models with more than nine atom-layers exhibit bulk-like interior, wherein the surface relaxations localized within the top three layers are well converged. Twenty-four specific geometry models of SiC/WC interface structures with different terminations and stacking sites were chosen. The calculated work of adhesion and interface energy suggest that the most stable interface structure has the C-C bonding across the interface, yielding the largest work of adhesion and the lowest interface energy. Moreover, the top-site stacking sequence is preferable for the C/C-terminated interface. The effects of the interface on the electronic structures of the C/C-terminated interfaces are mainly localized within the first and second layers of the interface. Calculations of the work of adhesion and interface energy provide theoretical evidence that the mechanical failure may initiate at the interface or in SiC but not in WC.

In recent years, high entropy alloy (HEA) matrix composites have undergone rapid development. In this work, the effects of different WC contents (10 wt.%, 20 wt.%, and 30 wt.%) on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear resistance of FeCoCrNi HEA matrix composites prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) were studied. The results show that the WC–HEA composites are mainly composed of an FCC matrix phase (Ni, Fe) and carbide phases (Cr₇C₃, Co₃W₃C, WC, etc.). The hardness of the 30 WC–HEA composites was the highest at 459.2 HV, which is 71.2% higher than the 268.3 HV of the pure matrix material. Similarly, the compressive yield strength of the 30 WC–HEA composite was the largest, reaching 1315.1 MPa, which is 112.1% higher than that of the pure matrix material. However, the compression deformation rate of the 30 WC–HEA composite significantly decreased to 16.6%. Under the same dry friction conditions, the addition of an appropriate amount of WC particles can reduce the friction coefficient of the HEA matrix. The wear volume of the composites decreased rapidly with the increase of WC content. The wear volume of 30 WC–HEA was the lowest, only 3.17% of that of the pure matrix material.