Abstract

The electrical and thermal conductivity of W-Cu composites were investigated as a function of the W-particle size and W-W contiguity. Powder mixtures were prepared by ball milling or mechanical alloying process, and then sintered at various temperatures. The electrical conductivity of sintered composite was increased with decreasing W grain size. Dependence of electrical conductivity on the W grain size was explained by the W-W contiguity concept. The thermal conductivity was increased with increasing the temperature up to 600°C but decreased at the temperature above 600°C Also, thermal conductivity value was influenced by the W particle size. Change of thermal conductivity in W-Cu composites was discussed based on the observed microstructural characteristics and theoretical considerations.

• Keywords: W-Cu composites;Electrical conductivity;Thermal conductivity;W Particle size;W-W contiguity;