Recent Advances in W–Cu Composites: A Review on the Fabrication, Application, Property, Densification, and Strengthening Mechanism

Abstract

Tungsten–copper (W–Cu) composite is a pseudoalloy prepared by powder metallurgy method with tungsten and copper as the main components, which are widely used in electrical contacts, electrical discharge machining electrodes, electronic packaging, aerospace, and military fields due to its good conductivity, thermal conductivity, high melting point, high electrical breakdown strength, low contact resistance, high welding resistance, and high heat resistance. Herein, the recent advances of W–Cu composites are reviewed systematically. First, the preparative techniques of W–Cu composites are introduced in detail, and their advantages and disadvantages are evaluated objectively. Second, an introduction of the main application fields and corresponding characteristics advantages for W–Cu composites are provided. Subsequently, the densification techniques and strengthening mechanisms and their effects on microstructure, mechanical properties, and physical properties of W–Cu composites are mainly discussed. Finally, based on a comprehensive review of W–Cu composites, its future development trends and potential research challenges are summarized and prospected.

Effect of tungsten contents on the jet penetration performance of shaped charge liner based copper-tungsten composites

“…W-Cu composites provide excellent thermal, electrical, and mechanical performance due to their integrated properties of high hardness and strength, a low thermal expansion coefficient, good arc resistance from W, and high electrical and thermal conductivity from Cu. This class of materials is widely used in civilian industrial fields such as high-voltage electric contact parts, welding electrodes, electronic packaging, and thermal sinks, and it is also in high demand in the aerospace industry (Zhang et al, 2023). Specially, W-Cu alloy has enormous potential in the area of shaped charge liner materials due to its high density, high velocity, and high ductility (Wang et al, 2021;Zhuo et al, 2022).…”

“…In generally, W-Cu composites could be prepared by using powder metallurgy (PM) technology. It is usually required to have a high sintering temperature and a long holding time in order to achieve the required level of densification (Zhang et al, 2023). Thus, the grain coarsening is unavoidable, and copper may leach out of the skeleton, which causes copper segregation, which in turn causes a non-homogenous microstructure and poor product performance.…”

“…In this context, many novel technologies have been explored to enhance the properties of W-Cu composites, including, laser sintering, plasma spraying and specially spark plasma sintering, etc. (Zhang et al, 2023). Generally, SPS was used to prepare the cylinder-shaped samples for additional characterization.…”