Tungsten carbide is a compound of tungsten and carbon. The molecular formula is WC and the molecular weight is 195.85. It is a black hexagonal crystal with a metallic luster and a hardness similar to that of diamond. This material not only has excellent hardness and strength, but also highly wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, and has a wide range of applications in many industrial fields.
It is a black hexagonal crystal. Soluble in mixed acid of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid and aqua regia, insoluble in cold water.
Gray powder with metallic luster. It belongs to hexagonal system. It is very hard and has high elasticity (72700 kg/mm2).
Mohs hardness: 9-9.5, second only to diamond. This property makes it widely used in cutting tools, wear-resistant parts and other fields.
Compressive strength: up to 6,000 MPa. The high compressive strength guarantees the stability of the material under high loads.
Density: 15.6 g/cm³. The high density of tungsten carbide makes it important in industries such as metallurgy and aerospace that require high strength and density materials.
Melting point: 5,198° F. This high melting point allows it to maintain stable physical properties at high temperatures, such as in rocket motor nozzles.
Modulus of elasticity: approx. 530-700 GPa. The high modulus of elasticity means that the material recovers quickly from deformation, which is particularly important in the manufacture of precision mechanical parts.
Active oxidation begins when air temperature is above 500 C. It has weak antioxidant ability and strong acid resistance.
Chemical Reaction Formula: W + C = WC Note: Reaction at 1150 C.
Resistance to oxidation: Stable in air up to 500°C or less. However, at higher temperatures it is still necessary to prevent oxidation, which is usually achieved by coating the surface of the material with an antioxidant protective layer.
Corrosion resistance: High resistance to general acids and alkalis, making it suitable for use as a corrosion-resistant material in the chemical industry.
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.
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.
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.
