Prospects of producing hard alloys based on submicron and nanoscale W and WC powders prepared by a chemical metallurgy process and with the use of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

Abstract

We present a brief review of research and design work aimed at producing tungsten-containing hard alloys for various applications. We examine the feasibility and prospects of using a chemical metallurgy method and self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) for the preparation of submicron and nanoscale hard-alloy powders as a key component of highly efficient state-of-the-art materials and products. Particular examples are presented of the use of submicron and nanoscale powders for the preparation of TVS tungsten-based heavy metallic alloys and VK tungsten carbide hard alloys for various applications. Their application fields are discussed and their properties are compared to those of their analogs produced by conventional powder metallurgy methods. Using the SHS of tungsten carbide as an example, we demonstrate a particular path from research to commercialization (from the discovery of SHS processes to commercialscale production) of key modern engineering materials: tungsten-based heavy alloys and tungsten carbidebased hard alloys.