Explosive compaction-sintering of tungsten/copper gradient material

In this study we investigated the explosive compaction-sintering for fabricating a high-density tungsten/copper alloy on a copper surface. First, 50%W-50%Cu tungsten/copper alloy powder and 75%W-25%Cu were prepared by mechanical alloying. Next, the alloy powders were pre-compacted and sintered in hydrogen atmosphere, followed by explosive compaction. Then, a high-density tungsten/copper gradient material was obtained with the coatings and the matrix tightly bonded and the copper enriched at the interfaces between the tungsten/copper particles. The tungsten grains in the 50%W-50%Cu layer did not grow, and in the 75%W-25%Cu layer the tungsten and copper were enriched in local regions. Porosity tests were carried out, the porosity of the 50%W-50%Cu layer was 0.04%, and that of the 75%W-25%Cu layer was 0.11%. The contents of tungsten and copper in the coatings were similar to the added ratio of the tungsten powder and copper powder. The hardness of the tungsten/copper gradient layer exhibited a tendency of gradient change, varying between 125-341, much bigger than 50, that of the copper. © 2019, Editorial Staff of EXPLOSION AND SHOCK WAVES. All right reserved.