Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Chenbiao Gong, Xingyu Chen, Xuheng Liu, Jiangtao Li, Lihua He, Fenglong Sun, Zhongwei Zhao
Summary: Alkali extraction is the main method for extracting tungsten from wolframite, but it generates hazardous waste residues. Acid decomposition and hydrogen peroxide dissolution offer a new route to address these issues. The dissolution behavior of tungstic acid in hydrogen peroxide solution is crucial for tungsten extraction.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Benedetto Bozzini, Francesco Tavola, Augusto Travella, Alessandro Alleva, Claudio Mele, Elisa Emanuele, Sandra Tedeschi, Gian Pietro De Gaudenzi
Summary: Recycling of hardmetal scrap is important for recovering critical raw materials, but current recycling processes are polluting and have a large carbon footprint. This study revisits the corrosion route and discovers that by exploiting the mechanical action of anodic O2 evolution, the corrosion film on hardmetal can be efficiently removed, resulting in an ultra-high scrap destruction rate. This finding is significant for real-life industrial processes.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Hong Wang, Pengyuan Liu, Xingyu Chen, Xuheng Liu, Ailiang Chen, Jiangtao Li, Lihua He, Fenglong Sun, Zhongwei Zhao
Summary: Tungsten is an important strategic metal, but there are challenges in extracting and processing tungsten ore. This study proposes a method to selectively dissolve tungsten from acid decomposition residue using a polycondensation reaction, and the feasibility of this method has been experimentally confirmed.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Liming Zhang, Leiting Shen, Qiusheng Zhou, Tiangui Qi, Zhihong Peng, Guihua Liu, Xiaobin Li
Summary: This paper proposes a novel technology for tungsten extractive metallurgy, utilizing sulfuric acid conversion and ammonium salts leaching to efficiently extract WO3 from tungsten minerals. The optimized conditions were determined, resulting in a leaching efficiency of over 98%.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guibing Pang, Xudong Cao, Jingang Zhang, Sifan Wang, Ben Lin, Mingying Li, Manfu Wang, Zhihua Zhang
Summary: Grade 404C stainless steel was prepared using electrochemical micro-machining with or without magnetic field assistance. The surface roughness distributions and micro-morphologies were analyzed. The introduction of an external magnet with the north pole improved processing efficiency and surface quality. However, the use of dual magnets with opposite north-north poles showed similar surface roughness variation as the magnetic field-free case.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jaesoung Lee, Mingoo Kim, Seulgi Kim, Yunhee Ahn, Bin Lee, Dongju Lee
Summary: This study introduces an efficient method for recycling cemented tungsten carbide using mechanochemical ball milling, which synergistically recovers cobalt through mechanical milling and chemical leaching. The recovered high-purity Co powder and WC particles are consolidated to provide recycled cemented WC with excellent mechanical properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Ehsan Ghasali, Asghar Shahmorad, Yasin Orooji, Arash Faraji, Keivan Asadian, Masoud Alizadeh, Touradj Ebadzadeh
Summary: WC-Co cermets containing Ti and V metallic powders were prepared using ultra-fast microwave heating process, followed by high-energy mixer mill mixing. Fast microwave sintering process at temperatures of 1400, 1500, and 1600°C resulted in dense samples with improved properties, showing WC, TiC, and VC crystalline phases. Increased sintering temperature led to enhanced bending strength, hardness, and fracture toughness in WC-Co-Ti hard metal.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaodi Zhang, Jiming Wang, Guojie Zhang, Jun Liu, Ying Wang, Yuqing Zhao, Guoqiang Li
Summary: To enhance the DRM reaction performance of catalysts, Co-Ni/WC-AC catalysts are prepared by impregnation with WC-AC as the support. BET, XRD, H2-TPR, XPS, and TG are used to characterize the structural features of the catalysts. The introduction of Ni in the 20Co/WC-AC catalyst promotes the conversion of W species to WC, improving the activity and sintering resistance of the catalysts. Different ratios of Ni also have a significant effect on the chemical environment on the catalyst surface.10Co-10Ni/WC-AC catalysts exhibit high surface Oa and Ob contents, and demonstrate excellent catalytic performance with stable conversion rates of CH4 and CO2 at 800 degrees C.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shengbin Zhao, Chenpeng Jia, Yuxue Yuan, Lixin Wang, Yiming Huang, Lijun Yang
Summary: Tungsten carbide-nickel (WC-Ni) composite coatings were prepared on martensite stainless steel 2Cr13 using laser hot-wire deposition technology. The microstructural evolution and dissolution characteristics of ceramic particles in the coatings were systematically investigated, showing that the coatings had increased hardness and wear resistance due to the control of dilution degree and optimized microstructures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ming Feng, Xiao-li Xi, Li-wen Zhang, Zuo-ren Nie
Summary: This study explored the possibility of reducing low-valence tungsten to inhibit disproportionation reactions in various molten alkali chlorides. The reduction valence of tungsten ions was found to decrease with the increase in the radius of the solvent alkali ion. The mechanism of tungsten ion reduction and the stable configuration of tungsten ion groups were confirmed through computational calculations. Increasing the radius of the solvent alkali ion facilitated the dissolution of tungsten from tungsten carbide in a low-valence state, with W (II) ion groups depositing on the cathode first.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiong Yuan, Yiming Huang, Lixin Wang, Chenpeng Jia, Feng Zhang, Lijun Yang
Summary: In this study, three types of Ni-WC/W2C coatings were produced using TIG cladding, and the dissolution characteristics of tungsten carbide particles were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that tungsten carbide particles of different sizes exhibited different dissolution characteristics, which consequently influenced the microstructure and properties of the coatings. The dissolution mechanism of tungsten carbide particles followed a fragmentation-dissolution-diffusion-precipitation process, while the coatings were comprised mainly of retained particles, a nickel matrix, and various shaped carbides. The wear resistance of the particle reinforced coatings was primarily determined by the mean distance between tungsten carbide particles (MDP).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shao-Chi Lo, Tzu-Ming Cheng, Chi-Chang Hu, Chih-Huang Lai
Summary: For the first time, rapid breakdown anodization (RBA) was used to convert WC-Co into high-purity hydrated tungsten oxide (WO3-H2O) and pure cobalt metal. The process successfully removed the tungsten oxidation layer and achieved effective cobalt leaching. This method offers environmental benefits and simplifies the recycling process.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guozuan Xu, Rutie Liu, Qiumin Yang, Chenghui Yang, Guohui Huang, Xiong Xiang
Summary: The doping of Cr has little impact on the morphology of tungsten oxide, but the presence of ammonium chromate significantly affects the properties of the calcined tungsten oxide.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiannan Cai, Xiaofeng Zhang, Mingxing Yang, Yuande Shi, Weikai Liu, Shen Lin
Summary: A bifunctional catalyst, Co@WC1-x/NCNTs composite, with superior electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions has been synthesized. It also shows ultra-high power density and stability in zinc-air batteries, offering a meaningful strategy for exploring efficient bifunctional catalysts in this application.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mikael T. Ekvall, Jonas Hedberg, Inger Odnevall Wallinder, Anders Malmendal, Lars-Anders Hansson, Tommy Cedervall
Summary: The study found that natural biological degradation products can delay the toxic effects of tungsten carbide cobalt and cobalt nanoparticles on crustaceans, and even reduce their toxicity. This highlights that under certain conditions, the toxicity of some nanoparticles entering natural ecosystems may be reduced.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ziyan Zhao, Kaiyue Zheng, Xianghui Yu, Qian Qi, Lujie Wang, Yan Liu
Summary: In-situ TiC/Ni composites with Ta element were fabricated by reactive sintering. It was found that Ta element could reduce the oxidation rate and decrease the content of TiO2 and NiTiO3 in the oxide scale, thereby optimizing the oxidation resistance and electrical conductivity of the composites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kai Wang, Mingyuan Ma, Yingchun Diao, Qijun Huang, Xiangkui Zhou, Guojian Li, Qiang Wang
Summary: The relationship between the V(C, N) content and the thickness of the gradient layer in nanocrystalline cemented carbides was investigated. The introduction of V(C, N) was found to enhance the mechanical properties of these materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Claudio Bertalan, Steven Moseley, Leonel Pereira, Ralph Useldinger
Summary: The influence of sintering temperature, dwelling time at maximum temperature and carbon content on the microstructure and mechanical and magnetic properties of WC-6%Co hardmetal was investigated. Results showed that to maximize hardness and transverse rupture strength (TRS), sintering should be performed at a low temperature (< 1400°C) and with a dwelling time of at least 75 minutes. This is particularly important for low carbon parts to ensure the necessary microstructure homogeneity required for high TRS.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Longlong Sun, Hang Li, Ningxin Wei, Jianliang Li, Jiewen Huang, Jian Kong, Qiujie Wu, Yan Shi, Dangsheng Xiong
Summary: By regulating the microstructure of TaBx films deposited by magnetron sputtering, the hardness and wear resistance of the films can be improved. With the increase of the bias voltage, the B content decreases and the crystallinity is enhanced. The microstructure of the films transforms from fibrous to dense columnar and then to granular structure. At a bias voltage of -180 V, the films exhibit super high hardness and relatively moderate fracture toughness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Liang Xia, Kai Liu, Yucheng Cao, Chao Jiang
Summary: This study investigates the microstructure information and mechanical behavior of ion-irradiated zirconium alloys through experimental measurements and theoretical analysis. Experimental procedures involve Au3+ irradiation of specific alloys, and transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the formation of precipitates and their transformation after ion-irradiation. Macroscopic mechanical properties are characterized by nano-indentation tests, revealing significant indentation size effect and irradiation hardening behavior. A mechanistic model is developed to explain the depth-dependent hardness observed in ion-irradiated zirconium alloys.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiangtao Zhang, Guoqin Huang, Yangli Xu, Jianyu Wang, Guangyao Han, Yuanqiang Tan
Summary: Selective laser melting (SLM) provides a novel method for the integrated production of structural and functional metal-matrix diamond composites in the field of diamond tools. In this study, a discrete element method model is developed to simulate the spreading process of diamond/CuSn composite powders. The findings reveal that adjusting the physical properties of diamond particles and process parameters can improve the powder bed quality and particle dynamics, leading to better performance of diamond tools.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Roman Gabor, Ladislav Cvrcek, Karel Masek, Josef Hlinka, Oldrich Motyka, Jan Walter, Grazyna Simha Martynkova, Gabriela Mikeskova, Jana Seidlerova
Summary: This study investigated the surface modification of β-Ti39Nb alloy using micro-arc oxidation technique, and examined the relationships between surface chemical composition, morphology, and tribological and corrosion properties. The results showed that the technique improved the wear resistance of the alloy, and the particle analysis confirmed the correlation between particle composition and tribological parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Benedetto Bozzini, Matteo Amati, Luca Gregoratti, Majid Kazemian, Francesco Tavola, Sandra Tedeschi, Gian Pietro De Gaudenzi
Summary: In this study, the composition and chemical state of the surface of hardmetal subjected to controlled electrochemical corrosion were analyzed using synchrotron-based scanning photoelectron microscopy and photoelectron microspectroscopy. The results showed that corrosion under different conditions led to surface enrichment and leaching of different chemical elements and species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
B. Roebuck, M. G. Gee, K. P. Mingard, H. G. Jones, H. Zhang, V. Tong
Summary: Metrology provides scientific support for the practical use of testing standards and helps establish a common language for different users regarding material capabilities. The hardmetal industry already has numerous international standards, but there is still room for improvement in certain testing strategies. The Materials Group at the National Physical Laboratory in the UK focuses on metrology and has highlighted specific metrological issues that need further attention. These include high hardness measurements, dislocation analysis, micro-tribology, nanoindentation, and structural characterization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Suyeon Kim, Taehyun Kwon, Seulgi Kim, Sung Ho Song, Dongju Lee
Summary: This study examines the effect of two different methods, oxide reduction and mechanical alloying, on the sintering behavior and microstructure of molybdenum-tungsten sintered compacts. The sintered compacts produced with oxide-reduced nanopowders exhibit higher density, purity, and a finer microstructure, making them more suitable for sputtering targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
A. M. Ferro Rocha, A. M. Santos, R. Mineiro, P. Pereira, J. Sacramento, A. M. R. Senos, A. C. Bastos
Summary: This study compares the corrosion resistance of different hardmetal composites and their binders in a corrosive environment. Through electrochemical testing methods, the corrosion behavior of these materials was studied, and the influence of the binder's electrochemical behavior on the corrosion resistance of hardmetal was explored.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bo Li, Yong Zheng, Wangwang Wang, Hao Wu, Yufan Li, Jin Lv
Summary: The effects of various Cr doping amounts on the microstructure and properties of Mo2FeB2-based cermets were investigated using EDS, SEM, and TEM. The results showed that moderate Cr doping enhanced the system's wettability, fracture toughness, and transverse rupture strength, while excessive Cr addition decreased mechanical properties. The solid-solution of Cr in the hard phase had the most pronounced effect on the mechanical properties of the cermets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Min Lian, Fei Wang, Kaixuan Rong, Xiaoci Ma, Hetian Liu, Xinmiao Gai, Yufei Ge, Shushan Dong, Qiang Tao, Pinwen Zhu
Summary: This study successfully optimized the toughness of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) by adjusting the intergranular fracture (IF) and transgranular fracture (TF) modes. The results showed that a mixture of the IF and TF modes resulted in higher hardness and toughness in PCD compared to a single fracture mode. The toughness of the PCD was approximately three times that of single-crystal diamonds and comparable to that of pure nanotwinned diamonds. The mixed modes introduced toughening mechanisms such as high frequency large crack deflection, crack bridging, pull-out, and crack branching, which increased the toughness of the PCD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ruifang Wang, Xiang Zhan, Yongqiang Chen, Chao Zhang, Yusi Che, Jilin He
Summary: The particle size and morphology of tungsten powders play a crucial role in determining the processing properties of tungsten products. This study investigated the effects of water vapor partial pressure on the hydrogen reduction of tungsten oxides, and proposed a method of changing the particle size of tungsten powders using bottom blowing hydrogen. The experimental results showed that bottom-blowing hydrogen could improve the uniformity of tungsten powders in a crucible by eliminating discrepancies in water vapor partial pressure. The partial pressure of water vapor increased with the temperature of the water bath, leading to an increase in the average particle size of tungsten powders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Oladapo Eso, Xu Wang, Samuel Wolf, Travis Puzz
Summary: In recent decades, there has been an increasing trend in incorporating alloying additives into WC-Co hardmetals for property enhancement. This paper establishes correlations between properties and microstructure of binder modified WC-Co compositions, and explains the observed property correlations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2024)