Abstract

The mechanism of activated sintering of tungsten powder was discussed in terms of diffusion and segregation of activator atoms at W grain boundaries. Shrinkage behaviours of W-0.2wt.% Ni, W-0.2wt.% Cu or pure W powder compacts during sintering at low temperatures of 900~ 1200°C were investigated. It was found that the Cu additive inhibits sintering process causing lower densification than pure W compact while remarkable shrinkage occurred in the Ni added W powder. Such contrary effect was explained by comparing self diffusion processes along Ni or Cu segregated W boundaries in which Ni segregants enhance but Cu atoms retard the migration of W atoms at W boundaries.