Infiltrated tungsten-copper composite reinforced with short tungsten fibers

To achieve an enhancement of mechanical properties, the WCu composite reinforced with short tungsten fibers was advocated. Characteristics including phase constituents, microstructure and mechanical properties (tensile, compressive and frictional behaviors) of the Wf reinforced WCu composite have been systematically investigated. The magnetron sputtered Ti layer on the surface of Wf effectively improved the sinterability of the composite, leading to excellent electrical conductivity of 56.55% IACS and hardness of 182 HB. Cross sectional EBSD results clearly reveals the sharp fiber texture according to the {110} pole figure of the Wf part, indicating a reserved texture structure although after high-temperature sintering and infiltration, which ensures the fiber strengthening effect. Further tests confirmed the enhancement of mechanical properties including high tensile strength of 549.0 MPa and compressive strength of 1047.8 MPa with large plasticity, as well as low friction coefficient of 0.494. A three dimensional model via numerical simulation further revealed that the smaller the angle between the axial direction of the inserted fibers and the loading direction, the easier it was to bear a higher stress, and the middle part of the fiber was more vulnerable to the accumulated damage. •Novel W–Cu composite reinforced with short Wf has been fabricated.•The composite exhibits high properties of 56.55 %IACS and 182 HB.•Sharp fiber texture in Wf was kept after sinter and infiltration.•High tensile/compressive strength and low friction coefficient were achieved.