Fabrication of W–Cu/CeO2 composites with excellent electric conductivity and high strength prepared from copper-coated tungsten and Ceria powders

W–Cu/CeO2 composites with excellent electric conductivity and high strength have been prepared from Cu-coated W and CeO2 composite powders. The phase and morphology of W–Cu/CeO2 composite powders and W–Cu/CeO2 composites are characterized by x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The relative density, microhardness, electrical conductivity, and bending strength of the sintered samples are also examined. Results show that the addition of Cu-coated CeO2 composite powders significantly affect the microstructure and properties of W–Cu composite materials. The low content of CeO2 (0, 0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt%) have made an inconspicuous impression on bending strength and microhardness. While the composites still exhibit a best bending strength of 1102.7 MPa, which is higher than the national standard (W–Cu) of 39.28%. When the addition of CeO2 reached 0.25 wt%, the composites show the best electric conductivity of 69.41% IACS, which is higher than the national standard (W–Cu) of 65.26%. However, with further addition of CeO2 to 1 wt% and 2 wt%, the composites show numerous pores and aggregated particles, which is prone to damage the properties of the alloys.