The mechanical properties of W-Cu composite by activated sintering

The effects of Zn additive and processing parameters on bending strength and hardness of W-Cu composite, which is fabricated at very low temperature by powder metallurgy, have been investigated. The bending strength and hardness increase with Zn additive content increasing and processing parameter optimization. When the Zn additive content is 14 wt.%, the bending strength of W-Cu composite reaches its maximum value (960 MPa), which is almost two times higher than the one without any additive. From fractographs of W-Cu composite, the intragranular fracture of W particles and ductility of Cu matrix indicate that proper Zn additive content and optimal processing parameters make the presence of strong grain-boundaries and lead to a higher measured bending strength and hardness. Therefore, Zn additive plays a key role in increasing the bending strength and hardness of W-Cu composite at the condition of optimal processing parameters. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.