Recent Progress on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of W-Ni-Cu Alloys

SHI Haicheng; WANG Qiangsong; CAI Tingjun; CHEN Tianyu; HE Yu; CAO Shuguang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.02.004

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Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (2) : 31-47. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.02.004

Process Technology in the Ordnance Industry

Recent Progress on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of W-Ni-Cu Alloys

SHI Haicheng¹, WANG Qiangsong², CAI Tingjun^1,*, CHEN Tianyu³, HE Yu², CAO Shuguang²

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Abstract

W-Ni-Cu alloys demonstrate significant application potential in magnetic field-sensitive precision instruments and high-power electrical components due to their high density, non-magnetic properties, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and tunable thermal expansion coefficient. Traditional W-Ni-Cu alloys commonly suffer from a poor strength-ductility match which severely limits their engineering applicability. To address this issue, this study focuses on these alloys, aiming to elucidate the intrinsic relationship between their microstructure and mechanical properties, thereby providing a theoretical basis for overcoming this performance bottleneck. A systematic review was conducted on recent advances in the microstructural regulation and mechanical property optimization of W-Ni-Cu alloys with the emphasis placed on analyzing the effects of composition design (e.g., Ni/Cu ratio optimization), alloying elements (e.g., addition of Fe, Co, La₂O₃), and advanced preparation techniques (including microwave sintering, spark plasma sintering, hot pressing sintering and selective laser melting) on the alloys' microstructure, densification behavior, and comprehensive properties. Research showed that adjusting the Ni/Cu ratio effectively improved the strength-ductility balance of the alloys. The introduction of trace Co or La₂O₃ could induce dispersion strengthening and interface optimization, significantly enhancing hardness and wear resistance. The addition of Fe effectively inhibited the coarsening of W particles and enhanced the continuity of W-W interfaces, thereby improving the compressive and bending strengths of the alloys. In terms of preparation techniques, spark plasma sintering and hot isostatic pressing promoted rapid densification while suppressing grain coarsening. Selective laser melting provided a new approach for forming complex components, though challenges such as porosity control and property anisotropy remained. Furthermore, deformation strengthening and heat treatment processes (e.g., quenching-induced spinodal decomposition of the γ phase) further optimized the interfacial structure of the alloy, achieving simultaneous improvements in strength, plasticity, and low-temperature toughness. By optimizing the Ni/Cu ratio, introducing alloying elements, and refining multi-step sintering processes, the grain size of W could be effectively refined and the interfacial bonding state improved, thereby synergistically enhancing the strength and ductility of W-Ni-Cu alloys. This provides critical support for their application in high-end technological fields. Finally, this study outlines future research directions, aiming to offer theoretical insights and technical references for developing high-specific-gravity, high-strength, and high-toughness W-Ni-Cu alloys

Key words

W-Ni-Cu alloy / high density alloy / powder metallurgy / mechanical properties / microstructure regulation

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SHI Haicheng, WANG Qiangsong, CAI Tingjun, CHEN Tianyu, HE Yu, CAO Shuguang. Recent Progress on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of W-Ni-Cu Alloys[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering. 2026, 18(2): 31-47 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.02.004

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