Novel process for synthesis of nanocrystalline WC from wolframite ore

Abstract This paper describes the synthesis of nanocrystalline WC directly from the wolframite ore containing nearly 50% impurities in as received form. The mixture of wolframite ore, activated charcoal and magnesium is found to produce nanocrystalline WC by heating at 800 °C in an autoclave. After the synthesis impurities were leached out using dilute HCl (1:1) and concentrated HF, unlike the conventional methods where prior removal of impurities is done. The reduction and carburization processes were studied by plotting Ellingham diagrams. The powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The lattice parameters were calculated from Rietveld analysis using Fullprof program. This is a simple and economical alternate method for synthesis of nanocrystalline WC.