2019-06-13 09:24:15

Tungsten Carbide Physical property and Chemical property

Tungsten carbide (WC) is a compound composed of tungsten and carbon, renowned for its superior hardness and wear resistance. It is widely used in metalworking, mining, oil and gas, cutting, and other fields. This article will delve into the physical and chemical properties of tungsten carbide, helping readers better understand the unique advantages and application prospects of this material.




I. Physical Properties of Tungsten Carbide


  1. Hardness and Wear Resistance

    Tungsten carbide is famous for its ultra-high hardness, with a Vickers hardness (HV) of over 2600, significantly higher than traditional steel materials. This exceptional hardness makes tungsten carbide perform remarkably well in high-wear environments, such as cutting tools, drill bits, and wear-resistant coatings.

  2. Density and Melting Point

    Tungsten carbide has a density of approximately 15.7 g/cm³, much denser than ordinary steel. This high density provides advantages in applications requiring high strength and hardness. Additionally, tungsten carbide boasts a melting point of 2870°C, making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments.

  3. Thermal and Electrical Conductivity

    Although tungsten carbide is a ceramic material, it exhibits good thermal conductivity with a thermal conductivity coefficient of about 84 W/m·K, ensuring thermal stability at high temperatures. Moreover, tungsten carbide possesses some electrical conductivity, making it applicable in certain electronic and electrical applications.

5555555555555.png 

II. Chemical Properties of Tungsten Carbide


  1. Chemical Stability

    Tungsten carbide exhibits high resistance to most acids, bases, and organic solvents at room temperature, particularly in neutral and weak acid conditions. However, it may experience some corrosion in strong acid or alkaline environments, so caution is needed when using it in such conditions.

  2. Oxidation Resistance

    Unlike many metal materials, tungsten carbide can react with oxygen at high temperatures to form tungsten trioxide (WO₃), especially in environments over 500°C. This property necessitates protective measures in practical applications, such as adding cobalt, nickel, or other elements to enhance its oxidation resistance.

  3. Catalytic Activity

    Tungsten carbide demonstrates catalytic activity similar to noble metals, particularly excelling in certain hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. This makes it valuable in the chemical industry and catalyst manufacturing.

Where tungsten carbide can be used:

Cutting tools

Tungsten carbide is widely used in the manufacture of cutting tools, such as tungsten carbide inserts including turning tools, milling cutters, drills, etc. Its high hardness and wear resistance dramatically prolongs the service life of the tools and improves the machining efficiency.

Wear-resistant parts

Due to its excellent wear resistance, tungsten carbide is widely used in the manufacture of mining tools, oil field drills and wear-resistant parts (

Tungsten carbide bushings, etc.) for pumps.

Dies

The high density and hardness of tungsten carbide make it an ideal material for the manufacture of tungsten carbide dies , stamping dies and drawing dies, ensuring high precision and long life.

Tungsten carbide has a wide range of applications in many other fields as well. Tools made with tungsten carbide materials can help industrial applications to increase productivity more significantly compared to traditional materials.