Fabrication of W-Cu composites by microwave infiltration

In this work, microwave radiation was used to fabricate W-xCu (x = 18-25 wt.%) composites by infiltration technique. Along with a fast heating rate (approximately 30 degrees C/min), the infiltration process was conducted at 1350 C for 20 min, which substantially reduces the fabrication cycle. The microwave processed alloys have expected high densification (above 98%) and electrical conductivity, comparable to those of conventionally infiltrated counterparts. Finer and more homogeneous microstructure and higher hardness were observed in microwave infiltrated samples. This investigation indicates that microwave infiltration technique has an application prospect and potential advantage in fabricating pseudo-alloys such as W-Cu. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.