Interfacial optimization of tungsten fibre-reinforced copper for high-temperature heat sink material for fusion application

W fibre-reinforced Cu shows great promise to improve the mechanical performance at high-temperatures compared to conventional Cu-based alloys. Focus was placed on the optimization of the interface to achieve an enhanced adhesion between W fibre and Cu matrix. The interfacial properties were investigated through pull-out measurements of single matrix-coated fibres for different interfacial concepts. The interfacial adhesion of W and Cu is determined solely through mechanical interlocking. Interdiffusion and segregations experiment showed that there are no interface reactions between W and Cu at elevated temperatures. From the investigated interfacial concepts, a stepwise graded transition interface with additional heat treatment was found to achieve the highest interfacial shear strength. The thermal stability of the MMC in thermal cycling tests can be assured by depositing a stepwise graded transition between W fibre and Cu matrix. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.