Fabrication and characterization of W/Cu/Ni-based high specific gravity alloy with Zr and Ti combined addition

Abstract

W/Cu/Ni-based high specific gravity alloys with Zr and Ti combined addition were successfully prepared through mechanical ball milling combined with spark plasma sintering. The morphologies, structural evolutions, and compositions of the W/Cu/Ni-based composites were thoroughly studied through scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Results reveal that the prepared (Zr, Ti)-doped W/Cu/Ni-based composite has completely compact structure and uniform element distribution after sintering, resulting in the W/Cu/Ni-based alloys with superior microhardness (up to 911.9). The Ti and Ni elements combined to form TixNiy intermetallic compounds, and the CuxZry intermetallic compounds were formed by the combination of Cu and Zr elements. The electrical properties of the W/Cu/Ni-based composites were also explored in detail. The electrical conductivity of the W/Cu/Ni composite increased from 13.2 MS/m to 19.9 MS/m, and the mass loss of electric ablation decreased from 6.20 mg to 1.21 mg through Zr and Ti combined addition. Hence, the W/Cu/Ni-based alloys with Zr and Ti combined addition provide an effective support for future electrical contact materials in electrical and electronic fields.