Mechanically Activated Synthesis of Tungsten Carbide Nanoparticles from Tungsten Oxide

Abstract

Solid state carbothermic reduction of tungsten oxide (WO3) to nanosized tungsten carbide (WC) particles was achieved by heating mechanically activated mixture of tungsten oxide and graphite at different temperatures under vacuum condition. KCl and Ni were added to the mixture for some samples. The morphology and chemical composition of products, as well as particles size and their distribution were compared by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical activation of WO3-C powder mixture did not yield WC phase whereas it was possible to produce WC nanoparticles by heating at 1250 °C for 2 h. KCl additive caused fine and homogeneous particle and Ni additive assisted the growth of WC particles.