Production of Ti–W Alloys from Mixed Oxide Precursors via the FFC Cambridge Process

W alloys were produced via the electrochemical deoxidation of mixed sintered precursors in a molten electrolyte at . Fully metallic samples were retrieved after of reduction. This reduction time was longer than that observed for metallization of sintered precursors. This was believed to occur as a result of significant differences in the reduction pathway, despite tungsten and molybdenum possessing similar interactions with titanium. It was found that the reduction initiated with the rapid reduction of to a fine W–Ti particulate. then proceeded to reduce sequentially through the lower oxides, with concurrent formation of . Between 1 and of reduction the sample is believed to be composed of and TiO. A comproportionation reaction between these two phases is then observed, resulting in the formation of W–Ti and . However homogenization between the product titanium and W–Ti does not take place until the titanium is sufficiently deoxidized; thus, forms late in the reduction process. It is believed that the late formation of in the reduction process, coupled with the lack of a conductive metal oxide network, accounts for the relatively slow reduction time.