Optimization of Carbothermal Reactions for Producing Nanostructured Tungsten Carbide Powders

Paper in proceeding, 2014

The development of efficient production processes for obtaining nanostructured WC powders can promote a significant improvement in mechanical properties of WC-based hard materials. In this work a systematic study has been carried out combining different atmosphere compositions and different carbon sources in order to understand the interaction between tungsten sources (W or WO3 powder), carbon (graphite or carbon black), and the active gases present in the atmosphere (H2, H2O, CO, CO2). WC-powders were obtained by mechanical activation of tungsten and carbon precursors followed by thermal activation of these mixes in different atmospheres at temperatures below 1100 C. Experimental results provide information about the evolution of the interactions between carbon sources, gaseous atmospheres, and solid W/WO3, setting the basis for optimizing the production of fine WC powders by effectively combining carbon sources and atmospheres.