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What Are the Unique Properties of Tungsten Heavy Alloys and Where Are They Used?​

2025-08-31
Latest company news about What Are the Unique Properties of Tungsten Heavy Alloys and Where Are They Used?​

Tungsten Heavy Alloys (WHAs) are a unique class of composite materials, typically consisting of 90-98% tungsten by weight, with the balance being a binder matrix of Nickel, Iron, and/or Copper. They are not true alloys in the traditional sense but rather a metal matrix composite where nearly pure tungsten particles are embedded in a ductile binder phase. This structure gives them a remarkable combination of three key properties: very high density (typically 17-19 g/cm³, similar to gold), high strength, and good ductility and machinability—a combination unattainable by pure tungsten, which is brittle and very difficult to machine.

This unique set of properties makes them ideal for applications requiring high mass in a small volume. They are extensively used for radiation shielding in medical and industrial settings, as their high density is extremely effective at absorbing gamma rays. They are also the material of choice for counterweights and inertial components in aerospace and defense systems, such as flight control surfaces and gyroscopes. In specialized applications, they are used as kinetic energy penetrators. Their ability to be machined into complex shapes allows engineers to design precisely balanced components that are both small and extremely effective at their function.