Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Colloidal Processed WC/(W5Vol%Ni) via Spark Plasma Sintering.

This study investigates the sintering behaviour and properties of WC-based composites in which WC was mixed with W5vol%Ni in concentrations of 10vol% and 20vol%. Colloidal processing in water and spark plasma sintering were employed to disperse the WC particles and facilitate sintering. The addition of W5vol%Ni improved the sintering process, as evident from a lower onset temperature of shrinkage determined through dilatometric studies. All samples exhibited the formation of tungsten monocarbide (W2C), with a more pronounced presence in the WC/20(W5vol%Ni) composite. Sintering reached its maximum rate at 1550 °C and was completed at 1600 °C, resulting in a final density exceeding 99.8%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the detection of WC and W2C phases after sintering. The observed WC content was higher than expected, which may be attributed to carbon diffusion during the process. Macro-scale mechanical characterisations revealed that the WC/10(W5vol%Ni) composite exhibited a hardness of 18.9 GPa, while the WC/20(W5vol%Ni) composite demonstrated a hardness of 18.3 GPa. Increasing the W5vol%Ni binder content caused a decrease in mechanical properties due to the formation of W2C phases. This study provides valuable insights into the sintering behavior and properties of WC/W5vol%Ni composites, offering potential applications in extreme environments.

Wunderlich syndrome: Rare and unrecognized emergency.

A real life-threatening emergency, Wunderlich syndrome (WS) is an interesting and unknown clinical condition characterised by intense beginning of spontaneous, non-traumatic renal haemorrhage in the sub-capsular and perirenal space, with a typical clinical and radiological presentation [1] that allow the diagnosis. Although most cases are treated invasively either by surgery or embolization to control the bleeding, Fortunately our 66 year old patient admitted to the Mohammed V military hospital in Rabat benefited from a conservative treatment, which allowed him to avoid all the associated complications and to be discharged from hospital in less than 4 days.

[The nutcracker syndrome]. / Le nutcracker syndrome.

The nutcracker syndrome refers to compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. After a review of the literature, the authors emphasize the uncommon incidence of this pathology, and the interest of imaging in the survey of this affection.