Tungsten carbide, also known asWC, is a hard, wear-resistant material used in various industries for its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion. It is composed of WC particles mixed with a carbon content that varies depending on the grade of tungsten carbide being produced.
(what is tungsten carbide made of)
WC particles are typically created by impregnating a solid dose of tungsten in a matrix of carbide. The process involves mixing tungsten powder with a suitable liquid, such as nitric acid or sulfuric acid, and then allowing it to react and form the carbide particles. These particles can range from submicron sizes (less than 1 micrometer) to nanometers (one millionth of a meter).
The carbon content of WC determines its hardness, melting point, and other physical properties. Different grades of WC have varying degrees of carbon content, with higher grades having more carbon content. For example, WC18-42 has a carbon content of 18% and WC35-67 has a carbon content of 35% or more. The higher the carbon content, the harder the WC is and the higher its melting point.
WC is often used in manufacturing tools, cutting edges, and other components that require high wear resistance and low friction. It is commonly used in the aerospace industry due to its high coefficient of friction and low coefficient of thermal expansion, which makes it resistant to heat deformation.
In addition to its use in manufacturing,WC is also used in medical applications such as dental fillings and implants. Its wear resistance makes it ideal for use in these applications where regular wear is expected.
Despite its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion,WC can be expensive to produce and maintain. This is because the cost of creating WC particles increases significantly with each additional ton of material added to the production process. However, the durability and reliability of WC make it an important material for many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
(what is tungsten carbide made of)
Overall,WC is a highly versatile material with a wide range of applications. Its unique combination of high strength-to-weight ratio, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance makes it a popular choice among manufacturers in various industries. Despite its relatively high cost,WC’s high durability and reliability make it an important material for many businesses.