W-Cu composites with homogenous Cu-network structure prepared by spark plasma sintering using core-shell powders

W-Cu composites with homogenous Cu-network structure were fabricated by spark plasma sintering using core-shell powders. The core-shell powders were obtained by intermittently electroplating method which can deposit shell composed of nano-copper on the core of micron tungsten particles. These nano-copper shells provide a large amount of grain boundaries, which are benefit for removing pores and improving the densification during sintering. Thus, the W-Cu composites can be obtained at low sintering temperature. The thermal conductivity, hardness and bending strength of the sintered W-Cu composites were investigated. The W-Cu composites show homogeneous microstructure and high thermal conductivity due to the formed fine Cu-network structure, low W-W contiguity and nearly full density.