Production of W-Cu-Ni Alloy and Cu Bimetal by SPS Process and Analysis of Process Parameters

This study aims at investigating changes in microstructure and strength of W alloy and Cu bimetals with varying spark plasma sintering (SPS) temperature and percentage of copper in W-Cu-Ni alloy. After SPS of W (12 wt%)-Cu (14 wt%)-Ni (3 wt%) alloy powder into consolidated discs at 1350 ° C, they were spark plasma sintered to copper discs at various temperatures. Assessment of the interface microstructure and shear strength was performed by field emission scanning electron microscpe (FESEM) and shear strength test, respectively. Results indicated SPS is successful in forming a perfect metallic bond with monolithic interface and high shear strength of about 45 MPa in Cu/W-12Cu-3Ni bimetal that is extra high quality and not reported in previous investigations.