Research Progress on the Effect of Third Components on the Microstructure and Properties of W-Cu Composites

W-Cu composites have high electrical and thermal conductivity, good arc stability, and high strength and hardness. They can be used as electrical contact processing materials, electronic packaging materials, and high-temperature heat dissipation materials. Due to the ever-increasing higher requirements of industry for the properties of W-Cu composites, different third components can be added to W-Cu composites to meet the requirements of improving their different properties. This article reviews the latest research progress in improving the microstructure and properties of W-Cu composites by adding a third component. The method of modifying W-Cu composite materials by adding rare-earth elements, carbon group elements, and hard particles is introduced. Finally, the problems and development directions of adding the third component are discussed.