Synthesis, characterization and densification of WCu nanocomposite powders

In the present investigation, W20–40wt.% Cu nanocomposite powders with average sizes ranging between 25 and 30 nm were synthesized by a soft chemical approach using tungsten hexacarbonyl [W(CO)6] and copper acetonyl acetonate [Cu(acac)2] as metal precursors. Particle size, morphology and distribution were measured using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Surfactant coating on WCu composite powders was removed on heat treatment of powders at 450 °C in hydrogen atmosphere for 1 h. Elemental analyses of as-synthesized and annealed (at 450 °C) WCu nanocomposite powders were carried out using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and Leco gas analyzers. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the tungsten phase is amorphous while the crystal structure of copper phase is fcc in as-synthesized WCu nanocomposite powders. After annealing at 700 °C peaks corresponding to bcc tungsten are observed and peaks corresponding to fcc copper become sharper. Relative densities of 98.2%, 98.8% and 99.2% were achieved for W20wt.% Cu, W30wt.% Cu, and W40wt.% Cu composite powders respectively when sintered at 1000 °C.

Research Highlights► For the first time W20–40wt.% Cu nanocomposites were synthesized in an organic medium. ► The average sizes of particles were ranging between 25 and 30 nm. ► Tungsten phase is amorphous while copper phase is fcc in as-synthesized powders. ► After annealing at 700 °C peaks corresponding to bcc tungsten are observed. ► Relative densities of 98–99% were achieved for W20–40wt.% Cu powders when sintered.