Fabrication of tungsten–copper alloys by microwave hot pressing sintering

The tungsten–copper alloys were prepared and characterized utilizing pressureless microwave sintering and hot pressure microwave sintering. The performance of tungsten–copper alloy was assessed based on the relative density and hardness. The influence of different pressure and copper content on the microstructure of tungsten copper alloy has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Experimental results indicate tungsten–copper alloy with excellent performance under microwave hot press sintering. The relative density of the alloy was estimated to be 98.14% at a sintering temperature of 1100 °C, applied pressure of 30 MPa for duration of 1 h. The relative density was found to increase with increase in the applied pressure. The microstructure of tungsten–copper alloy sintered by microwave hot press method was more uniform having a compact matrix. •The tungsten–copper alloys were prepared by hot pressure microwave sintering and with excellent performance.•The relative density of tungsten copper alloy is increased with an increase of the applied pressure.•The microstructure of tungsten–copper alloy sintered by microwave hot press method was uniform having a compact matrix.