Synthesis, characterization and welding property of micro-spherical molybdenum-ruthenium particles

•Mo-Ru alloy powder was synthesized by spray drying combined with calcination.•The compositions of as-synthesized Mo-Ru particles were Mo0.3124Ru0.6876 and Mo.•The average size of as-synthesized Mo-Ru particles (calcined 800 °C) was about 4 μm.•Calcined temperature was a key factor in the preparation of the Mo-Ru powders.•Tensile strength of W and Mo cylinders welded by Mo-Ru was 76.65 ± 1.15 MPa.