Microstructure and properties of ultrafine-grained W-25 wt.%Cu composites doped with CNTs

In the present work, the ultrafine-grained W-25 wt.%Cu composites doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been prepared through combined processes of high-energy ball-milling, liquid-phase sintering and infiltration. Furthermore, the microstructure, hardness and electrical conductivity of the ultrafine-grained W-Cu composites doped with different contents of CNTs were investigated. Meanwhile, the wear resistance, compressive performance at different temperatures and arc erosion resistance were evaluated in comparison with the W-Cu composite without CNTs. The results revealed that the hardness, wear resistance, compressive performance and arc erosion resistance of the W-Cu composites doped with CNTs were enhanced dramatically due to the introduction of tungsten carbide phases after sintering and infiltration. (C) 2018 Brazilian Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Association. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.