Formation of WC powders using carbon coated precursors

This paper deals with the formation of tungsten carbide from carbon coated tungstic oxide precursors. This study makes use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DSC and TGA data for both coated and mixed 17.2 wt% carbon containing tungstic oxide demonstrate the superiority of the coated precursor in the formation of tungsten carbide, as conversion is initiated at lower temperature. XRD patterns of products from each 100°C isotherm from 900–1400°C, inclusive, illustrate the formation as it proceeds through lower oxides into tungsten then carburizes into tungsten carbide for both the mixed and coated samples.