Preparation of nanoscale WC powders by sol-gel synthesis and carbon monoxide carbonization

Abstract

In this study, tungsten carbide (WC) nanopowders with an average size of about 10 nm were synthesized by a three-step process: the sol-gel preparation of nanoscale WO3, reduction and carbonization in carbon monoxide (CO) atmosphere and short time high-energy ball milling. The average particle size of the sol-gel synthesized WO3 precursor is about 31 nm. Through low-temperature reduction and carbonization at 700 °C in CO, spherical and dendritic WC powders were obtained. After high-energy ball milling at 800 rpm for 10 min and 20 min, the average particle size of WC decreases to 16 nm and 10 nm, respectively. This method provides a facile method for the preparation of nanoscale WC powders with the advantages of low cost, simple process and suitability for industrial production.