Optimization of Liquid-Phase Method of Synthesis of Cu–W Alloys

Abstract

Cu–W composite alloys are obtained using the liquid-phase impregnation method of noncompacted W powders and sintered porous W and W + Cu specimens. The structure of the alloys and its influence of pre-crystallization processing by low-frequency oscillation (LFO) on the “Cu melt–W powder” compositions are investigated. The technological parameters of obtaining low-porosity (1–2%) alloys are defined. It is proved that varying the thermo-time LFO exposure makes it possible to modify the W concentration in the matrix, creating the composite layers with high tungsten content (80–90%). The LFO treatment of the “copper melt + noncompacted W powders” compositions has a number of advantages compared to the routine (liquid-phase impregnation of compacted tungsten powder) industrial technology of production of Cu–W alloys. There are significant reduction of stages (up to 1–2), the possibility of replacement of working atmospheres (hydrogen, vacuum) by cheaper “Ar + CO,” and the dispersion of W phase.