A study on the effect of solution acidity on the microstructure, mechanical, and wear properties of tungsten alloys reinforced by yttria-stabilised zirconia particles

•Effect of pH value on the W precursor was investigated via azeotropic distillation.•Precursor morphology significantly affects the microstructure and properties of W alloy.•Precursor synthesised under a pH of 2 has a fine particle size (1–5 μm).•Maximal values of compressive strength and failure strain reach 1009 MPa and 0.22.