Characterisation of Electrochemically Processed Graded Tungsten/Copper Composites

Abstract

Tungsten/copper gradient materials have been produced by electrochemical treatment of sintered tungsten preforms and subsequent infiltration with copper in a second production step The characteristics of the gradient have been adjusted by varying the experimental parameters current density, electrolyte conductivity, electrolysis time and initial porosity The profile of the gradient was successfully predicted with a numerical model. The position dependent Young's modulus and thermal expansion coefficient of very thin bars cut perpendicular to the gradient was determined Rules of mixture provide good predictions of measured values and show the importance of processing for thermomechanical properties.