Synthesis and densification of W-30Â wt%Cu composite powders using ammonium meta tungstate and copper nitrate as precursors

W-30 wt%Cu composite powders were prepared by a novel precipitation process using ammonium meta tungstate and copper nitrate as precursors. The initial precipitates were obtained by adding aqueous ammonia to a mixture of ammonium meta tungstate and copper nitrate solutions and then heating the solution up to 95 °C. In order to synthesis W-Cu composite powders, the dried precipitates were calcined in air at 500 °C and then reduced by hydrogen. The calcination temperature was determined by thermogravimetry analysis. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The effect of sintering temperature was investigated on densification of the synthesized powders. Relative density over 98% was achieved for the samples which were sintered at 1150 °C. Good electrical conductivity and relatively high hardness were achieved for the samples which sintered above melting point of copper.