Microstructure and properties of fine grained W-15Â wt.% Cu composite sintered by microwave from the sol-gel prepared powders

► The W-15 wt.% Cu powders were synthesized by a sol-gel method and reduction process. ► The particle size of such powder is in the range from 100 to 400 nm. ► In each particle the W and Cu phases were mixed in the nanometer scale. ► Relative density and average particle size of microwave sintered samples reach 97% and 600 nm. ► The thermal conductivity and the hardness can reach 187 W/m K and 347 HV.