Sintering under plasma of a Ta-20%Cu composite powder prepared by high energy milling

The sintering under plasma heating of a powder mixture Ta-20w%Cu prepared by high energy milling is focused. The powder has composite particles in which Ta and Cu phases are amorphous. Plasma is able to heat the samples at a very high rate, but large temperature gradients are produced. The sintering of the Ta-Cu composite powder starts before Cu melting. Cu leaves the composite particles, forming a layer. This layer creates necks between the composite particles. Above the copper melting point, liquid copper leaves the composite particles and fills the pores. The composite particles rearrange but keep their original shape and size. Disintegration of composite particles is not observed due to the short sintering time used in the work. The final sintered structure is heterogeneous.