W-Cu composite materials for electrical contacts used in vacuum contactors

W-Cu composite materials for electrical contacts to be used in low voltage vacuum contactors were synthesized by means of powder metallurgy (P/M) and infiltration technique. The compacting pressure and sintering temperature were selected in order to achieve the desired skeleton density. Direct infiltration on green compacts of W-Cu-(Ni) was made by using different elements such as Cu and Ag. The influence of chemical composition, nature of infiltrating element and processing parameters on microstructures, and electrical, mechanical and functional properties were emphasized.