WC Particle Size Research Articles

A new process for preparing ultrafine WC-Co cemented carbide by doping yttrium within the ammonium metatungstate solution

Ultrafine WC-Co cemented carbide has superior performance of high strength and high hardness, which is widely used in industrial fields. In the traditional process, high temperature carburization method is used to prepare tungsten carbide, and solid-phase mechanical milling method is used to mix grain growth inhibitor (Cr3C2) and tungsten carbide, which easily lead to large WC particle size and uneven WC grain size distribution in WC-Co cemented carbide, thus affecting mechanical properties of the alloy. In the new process, based on the genetic relationship between the particle size of ammonium paratungstate and tungsten carbide, ultrafine ammonium paratungstate uniformly doped with yttrium was firstly obtained by adding a certain amount of ammonia and yttrium oxide into the ammonium metatungstate solution. Then the ammonium paratungstate was calcined to obtain yttrium-doped tungsten trioxide, which was then converted into yttrium-doped ultrafine tungsten carbide powders by introducing carbon monoxide at a low temperature. Finally, the ultrafine WC-Co cemented carbide was prepared by pressure sintering. During the neutralization and crystallization process of ammonium metatungstate solution, the yttrium-doped ultrafine ammonium paratungstate (Fischer particle size 8.4 μm) with narrow particle size distribution and regular morphology was prepared. The yttrium-doped ammonium paratungstate was calcined at 500 °C for 90 min in air atmosphere to obtain yttrium-doped tungsten trioxide powder with a Fischer particle size of 4.5 μm and narrow size distribution. Then the yttrium-doped tungsten trioxide and carbon monoxide gas were reacted at 920 °C for 3h to obtain yttrium-doped ultrafine tungsten carbide powder with a Fischer particle size of 0.32 μm and a specific surface area of 4.44 m2/g, and ultrafine WC-Co cemented carbide with tungsten carbide grain size of 0.28 μm was obtained by pressure sintering. The yttrium uniform distributed effectively inhibited the abnormal growth of tungsten carbide grains. Compared with the WC-Co cemented carbide prepared by solid-phase mechanically mixing tungsten carbide powder and chromium carbide, the yttrium-doped WC-Co cemented carbide had a smaller average tungsten carbide grain size and a more homogeneous microstructure. The prepared yttrium-doped WC-Co cemented carbide had a hardness (HRA) of 94.6, a bending strength of 4841 M, and a coercive force of 42.3 KA/c.

Effect of WC particle size on the microstructural evolution and tribological properties of laser cladding Ti-bearing Co-based WC reinforced coating

To improve the wear resistance of 300 M steel under reciprocating wear in landing gear shock strut, Ti-bearing Co-based WC reinforced coatings with three different WC particle sizes (280 mesh, 200 mesh, and 150–300 mesh) were successfully fabricated by laser cladding method. The effect of WC particle size on phase composition, microstructure, microhardness and tribological properties were systematically investigated. The results show that the phase composition of these coatings consists mainly of γ-Co, TiC, WC, Cr23C6 and CrCo, and that varying the WC particle size changes the morphologies of the second phases. With the increase of WC particle size, the morphology of TiC is dendritic, ellipsoidal and block, respectively; the morphology of Cr23C6 changes from discontinuous fine particles to grid-like at grain boundaries. And the TiC-WC composite phases appear when the particle size of the added WC particles is a mixture. The coating with a mixture of 150–300 mesh WC particles, has the highest hardness range, the lowest average friction coefficient of 0.372, and the lowest wear rate of 9.61 × 10−5 mm3/N·m. The wear mechanisms of all three coatings are abrasive wear and oxidation wear, and the oxide film on the worn surface of the coatings gradually becomes denser and more continuous with increasing WC particle size.

Influence of WC particle size and morphology on the performance of NiCu-based composite coatings deposited by laser direct energy deposition

NiCu alloys are commonly utilized due to their outstanding plasticity, toughness, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, their limited hardness and wear resistance have hindered their further development. In this study, 24CrNiMo alloy brake disc was coated with NiCu-based composite coatings containing different sizes and shapes of tungsten carbide, in order to investigate the effects of tungsten carbide particle characteristics on the microstructure, microhardness and wear resistance of Nickel‑copper composite coating. The results show that the microstructure of the coatings was minimally affected by the size and morphology of the WC particles, while non-spherical WC particles exhibited superior uniformity within the coatings. In terms of microhardness, smaller WC particles demonstrated a more consistent distribution. The ball-disk wear tests revealed that coatings with larger WC particles displayed better wear resistance in sizes, while those with non-spherical WC particles exhibited excellent resistance to wear in morphologies. Additionally, in abrasive wear tests, composite coatings containing spherical WC particles demonstrated superior wear resistance compared to those containing non-spherical WC particles. The diverse wear resistance observed in different wear experiments among the various WC coatings can be attributed primarily to differences in the distribution and preparation methods of the WC particles. Consequently, these findings hold significant promise for the practical application of NiCu-based composite coatings in industry.

Effect of WC particle size on the microstructure and tribological properties of high-speed laser cladding Ni/WC composite coatings

Ni/WC composite coatings with WC particle sizes of 30–65, 65–100, and 100–145 μm were prepared on 304 steel using high-speed laser-cladding (HSLC). The phase composition, microstructure, and wear mechanism of the composite coatings were studied. The dendrite-growth mechanism around WC with different particle sizes and the effects of WC with different particle sizes on the microhardness and tribological properties of the composite coatings were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the composite coating consisted of intermetallic compound Ni3Fe and secondary carbides W2C and (Cr, Fe)7C3. The composite coating exhibited good macroscopic morphology and uniform microstructure. The WC particle size obviously influenced the columnar and cellular dendrites in the coating. The microhardness values of the three groups of composite coatings were 419.35, 314.64, and 331.65 HV. The average friction coefficients were 0.4876, 0.5693, and 0.5439. The wear volumes were 0.001, 0.0015, and 0.002 mm3. The wear mechanisms included adhesive, abrasive, and oxidation wear mechanisms. The results verified that the WC coating with a small particle size possessed the best microhardness and tribological properties.

Microstructural Evolution, Hardness and Wear Resistance of WC-Co-Ni Composite Coatings Fabricated by Laser Cladding.

This study investigated how process parameters of laser cladding affect the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-12Co composite coating for use as a protective layer of continuous caster rolls. WC-Co powders, WC-Ni powders, and Ni-Cr alloy powder with various wear resistance characteristics were evaluated in order to determine their applicability for use as cladding materials for continuous caster roll coating. The cladding process was conducted with various parameters, including laser powers, cladding speeds, and powder feeding rates, then the phases, microstructure, and micro-hardness of the cladding layer were analyzed in each specimen. Results indicate that, to increase the hardness of the cladding layer in WC-Co composite coating, the dilution of the cladding layer by dissolution of Fe from the substrate should be minimized, and the formation of the Fe-Co alloy phase should be prevented. The mechanical properties and wear resistance of each powder with the same process parameters were compared and analyzed. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the laser cladding layer depend not only on the process parameters, but also on the powder characteristics, such as WC particle size and the type of binder material. Additionally, depending on the degree of thermal decomposition of WC particles and evolution of W distribution within the cladding layer, the hardness of each powder can differ significantly, and the wear mechanism can change.

Wear performance of Ni-WC composites and heat-damage behaviour of WC particle during vacuum-induction melting process

Ni-WC composites were prepared by vacuum-induction melting (VIM). A ball-on-disc wear test was performed using an Si3N4 ball as a friction pair to study the wear performance of the composites. The effects of WC particle size (average particle size of 68 μm and 23 μm) on the mechanical properties of the composites and the heat-damage behaviour of WC particles during the melting process were investigated. The results indicate that the wear rate of Ni-WC composites with coarse WC particles was lower than that of Ni-WC composites with fine WC particles. The predominant wear mechanism of composites with coarse WC particles was mechanical wear of the WC particles; the predominant wear mechanisms of composites with fine WC particles were oxidation wear and three-body abrasive wear. The coarse WC particles provide better wear resistance than fine WC particles. The WC particles underwent heat erosion and dissolution caused by the Ni-based melt. Increasing the size of the WC particles can significantly reduce the degree of heat damage to the WC particles and improve the hardness of the composites.

Influence of starting WC particle size and sintering conditions on structure and properties of WC-Ni-Co coarse grain ceramics

Sintering temperature is the key factor affecting the structure and performance of tungsten carbide (WC) ceramics. Thus, the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-Ni-Co coarse grain ceramics, obtained from the mixture containing: 60wt.% of ultra-coarse WC, 30 wt.% of fine WC, 7 wt.% of Co and 3wt.% of Ni powders, was analysed. The mechanical properties of WC ceramics did not change much when the sintering temperature was varied between 1410 and 1430 ?C and the comprehensive performances of the ceramics were the best in this temperature range. In order to confirm that the coarse grain WC-Ni-Co ceramics can be applicable for harsh environments, it was compared with the standard WC-Co ceramics of the same grain size, and the reasons and mechanisms for the differences in microstructure and properties between the two ceramics were tested and analysed. The study shows that the average grain size of two ceramics does not differ much, and there are no decarburisation, graphite-phase and other impurity phases inside the ceramics. In addition, the difference in the mechanical properties is also small. However, the addition of Ni effectively improves the corrosion resistance of the WC-Co ceramics. Therefore, WC-Ni-Co can replace WC-Co ceramics as shield cutting tool material with the same grain size.

Microstructure and tribology of cold spray additively manufactured multimodal Ni-WC metal matrix composites

Cold spray produces thick and dense deposits that can be applied in additive manufacturing or as a repair to recover damaged components. One potential materials system is WC-reinforced Ni composites, which are known for a combination of high hardness and toughness. WC particle size and distribution are some of the most important variables that impact the mechanical properties and wear resistance. In this study, thick multimodal Ni-24 vol%WC composite coatings were additively manufactured using the cold spray technique. Spherical Ni powder and two types of WC particles, i.e., cast and agglomerated, were used as feedstock materials. The microstructure, porosity, WC distribution, and microhardness of coatings were investigated in comparison with cold-sprayed Ni and Ni-agglomerated WC coatings with similar WC fill ratios. Dry sliding wear of multimodal Ni-WC coatings was studied with a sliding speed of 3 mm/s under normal loads of 5 and 12 N and was then compared to Ni and composite coatings made with only agglomerated WC. Multimodal Ni-WC coatings with an altered distribution of WC particles offered an improvement in friction and wear as compared to Ni-agglomerated WC coatings. Characterization of worn surfaces revealed the formation of tribofilms following compaction of wear debris. A more stable tribofilm that developed to a higher coverage was identified for coatings with multimodal WC particles at both tested loads. However, the protective role of tribofilms was reduced at a higher load, caused by subsurface crack propagation. Subsurface microstructure of worn surfaces that are induced by sliding wear was studied, and a correlation between the mechanical properties and microstructure and wear mechanism of coatings was made. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of cold spray additive manufacturing in producing multimodal Ni-WC composite coatings with enhanced wear resistance.

Enhancing comprehensive properties of HVOF thermally sprayed WC-10Co coatings using two grain inhibitors

The industry widely uses WC coatings to protect vital machine parts, including industrial gas turbines, ball valves, and aircraft landing gear shafts. To enhance the comprehensive performance of WC-10Co cemented carbide coatings, this study added VC and Cr3C2 grain inhibitors to refine the WC particles. Two novel powder compositions, S1 (WC-10Co-2Cr3C2-2VC) and S2 (WC-10Co-2VC-2Cr) were developed using the spray granulation method, alongside a commercial WC-10Co-4Cr powder as a control. These coatings were applied to 316 stainless steel substrates using the HVOF technique and subjected to XRD, SEM, hardness, friction, and electrochemical analysis. The microstructures, phase compositions, and various properties of WC-10Co-2Cr3C2-2VC and WC-10Co-2VC-2Cr coatings were systematically investigated. The results indicate a significant reduction in decarburization and porosity in S1 and S2 coatings compared to the commercial WC-10Co-4Cr coatings. VC and Cr3C2 suppressed the Ostwald ripening phenomenon, leading to smaller WC particle sizes in S1 and S2 coatings. In terms of performance, WC-10Co-2Cr3C2-2VC exhibited the highest hardness and superior wear resistance, while the WC-10Co-2VC-2Cr coating displayed the lowest corrosion rate in a 5 wt% H2SO4 solution at 25 °C, all while maintaining excellent mechanical properties. This study opens potential directions for the creation of high-performance WC-based coatings.

Tensile and Fatigue Properties of WC-20 wt%Co Cemented Carbides under Microstructural Variations

WC-Co cemented carbide has excellent mechanical properties and is widely used in many industrial applications including cold forging dies and cutting tools. The tensile and fatigue properties of WC-20wt%Co cemented carbides with microstructural variations were investigated. Microstructure parameters such as Co binder content, WC particle size, binder mean free path, and contiguity were obtained by linear intercept method using BSE microstructure images. Standard specimens of WC-20wt%Co cemented carbides were prepared for tensile and fatigue testing. Uniaxial tensile stress-strain curves and tensile-compression fatigue S-N curves were obtained. The 22Co-Cr alloy with higher Co content showed the largest binder mean free path and the lowest continuity. The 20Co-d<sub>wc</sub> alloy with fine WC grains of submicron size showed the lowest binder mean free path due to fine WC grain distribution. The 20Co-d<sub>wc</sub> alloy with fine WC grains showed the highest tensile strength and fatigue strength, compared to other alloys. The 22Co-Cr alloy with a higher FCC Co phase content, which has excellent plastic deformability, showed higher fatigue properties. The fatigue life of the 22Co-Cr alloy increased with increasing compressive mean stress level. Based on the axial tensile and fatigue properties, a reasonable fatigue life prediction of WC-20wt%Co cemented carbide dies for cold forging can be estimated.

Effect of WC Particle Size on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of WC‐10CoCrFeNiAl Composites

The present study focuses on the synthesis of three distinct WC‐HEA hard alloys using the SPS method, using three different grades of tungsten carbide with varying particle sizes. Subsequently, an investigation is conducted to analyze the influence of WC particle size on the microstructure and properties of WC‐10CoCrFeNiAl hard alloys. Additionally, an investigation was conducted to assess the influence of small particle size WC addition content on both the microstructure and properties of this advanced alloy. The results indicate that a reduction in the particle size of WC leads to an increase in hardness, while exhibiting a nonmonotonic change in fracture toughness of WC‐10CoCrFeNiAl hard alloy. The presence of smaller WC particles promotes the formation of N7C3 and η phase (M3W9C4), which compromises its toughness while simultaneously enhancing its hardness. The mechanical properties are optimized when the particle size of WC is ≈1 μm. The incorporation of fine WC particles significantly enhances hardness while compromising fracture toughness. When the content of small particle WC reaches 25 wt%, the mechanical properties of the dual‐scale hard alloy are optimized, the hardness and fracture toughness are 18.8 GPa and 11.1 MPa.m1/2, respectively.

Microstructural and mechanical properties at the submicrometric length scale under service-like working conditions on ground WC-Co grades

The unique combination of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance exhibited by heterogeneous hard materials, particularly cemented carbides (WC-Co), has made them preeminent material choices for extremely demanding applications, such as metal cutting/forming tools. The grinding post-processing of WC-Co induces changes in their surface integrity by modifying both constitutive phases through cracking the WC ceramic phase, introducing compressive residual stresses and/or inducing phase transformations (from face-centered cubic to hexagonal compact phase) in the metallic Co binder. A systematic micro- and nanomechanical study of different ground WC-Co grades (with distinct metallic Co binder content and WC particle size) is presented. In general, three different aspects are investigated: (1) assessment of the intrinsic hardness of the deformed layer from room temperature up to 600 °C, (2) correlation of the compressive residual stresses with hardness and elastic modulus maps by using high-speed indentation tests, and (3) evaluation of the oxidation process as a function of the testing temperature for the different ground WC-Co grades. It was found that the mechanical properties of the deformed ground layer for the different WC-Co grades slightly decrease at temperatures ranging between 400 and 500 °C, being this temperature non depending on the amount of metallic binder or WC grain size. This is attributed to different effects which take place simultaneously when the testing temperature increases: dislocation motion, reduction of compressive residual stresses and particularly, the generation of a heterogeneous oxide layer formed of CoWO4, WO3 and Co3O4.

Effect of WC Particle Size on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Ag/WC Sintered Electrical Contact Material

Effect of WC Particle Size on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Ag/WC Sintered Electrical Contact Material

Effect of WC particle size on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni–Co coarse grain cemented carbide

AbstractThe effect of different WC grain size additions on the microstructure and grain distribution of Ni–Co coarse crystalline cemented carbide was studied. And then the effect of grain distribution on the mechanical properties of cemented carbide was discussed. The effect of WC grain size on the grain size and coherency of cemented carbide was analyzed by microstructure. And the distribution of grains in the microstructure was investigated by the truncation method. The addition of fine (1.1–1.4 μm), medium (2.3–2.7 μm), and coarse WC (5.6–6.0 μm) particles can increase the nucleation rate of WC grains in the bonded phase. And the higher grain growth driving force can produce the theoretical limitation of nucleation and inhibit the coarsening of WC grains to a certain extent. The WC grain size has an insignificant effect on the frequency of the occurrence of super‐coarse grains in coarse crystalline cemented carbide. The average grain size and super coarse grains in microstructure gradually decrease, which promotes the improvement of transverse rupture strength. The increase of the adjacent degree and the decrease of the mean free path reduce which is beneficial to the improvement of the corrosion resistance of the alloy. The best overall performance of the alloy is achieved when fine‐grained WC is added.

Development of a functional hardness gradient in WC-TiC-Co cemented carbide during gradient sintering

In this study two functionally graded cemented carbide samples with gradients in both composition and grain size have been produced and studied. The two samples are manufactured by local addition of TiC to a pressed WC-Co green body prior to sintering. The two samples differ only by the in-going WC particle size, where one sub-micron and one coarse WC particle size is used. The Ti, Co, and C concentration profiles are analysed using energy−/ and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; Vickers hardness profiles are also measured. Furthermore, the measured experimental concentration profiles are compared with diffusion simulations using the DICTRA software. The concentration and hardness profiles show a similar trend for both samples with decreasing Ti and C concentrations while Co concentration increases with distance from the applied TiC layer. The composition gradient affects the number of stable phases and the WC grain size. Furthermore, there are distinct differences between the samples with different initial WC particle size. The sample with an initially finer WC particle size has a shorter gamma-phase zone and the difference in WC grain size across the gradient is larger as compared to the sample with an initially coarser WC particle size. Finally, abnormal grain growth occurs in both samples but it is suppressed with increasing Ti concentration.

The microstructure and mechanical properties of Ce2O3 reinforced WC-Cu-10Ni-5Mn-3Sn-1.5TiC cemented carbides fabricated via pressureless melt infiltration

Microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-Cu-10Ni-5Mn-3Sn-1.5TiC cemented carbides fabricated by pressureless melt infiltration at 1200 °C for 90 min with different Ce2O3 contents (0 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.4 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.8 wt%, and 1.0 wt%) were investigated. Ce2O3 accelerated the decomposition and dissolution of WC. The melt infiltration reaction products of high carbon solid solution, such as W, Ni2W4C, and (Ti,W)C1-X are precipitated in binder alloys. High carbon solid solution gradually decreased or even disappeared, and W, Ni2W4C, and (Ti,W)C1-X seemed to grow with the increase of Ce2O3 contents. Considering the influence of decomposition and dissolution of WC and the formation of new phases, the size of WC particles decreased while the surface morphology of WC slowly changed from round and blunt to sharp-angle shaped, and the contiguity value of WC particles first decreased and then increased. The changes in microstructural properties of cemented carbides as a function of Ce2O3 inevitably led to the change in mechanical properties. The sample with 0.4 wt% Ce2O3 additions had the highest hardness (94.8 HRA). The highest values of impact toughness and TRS in 0.6 wt% Ce2O3 cemented carbides were 7.15 J cm−2 and 1977.8 MPa, respectively.

WC-reinforced iron matrix composites fabricated by wire arc additive manufacturing combined with gravity-driven powder feeding: particle transportation and size effects

Purpose A new wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process combined with gravity-driven powder feeding was developed to fabricate components of tungsten carbide (WC)-reinforced iron matrix composites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the particle transportation mechanism during deposition and determine the effects of WC particle size on the microstructure and properties of the so-fabricated component. Design/methodology/approach Thin-walled samples were deposited by the new WAAM using two WC particles of different sizes. A series of in-depth investigations were conducted to reveal the differences in the macro morphology, microstructure, tensile performance and wear properties. Findings The results showed that inward convection and gravity were the main factors affecting WC transportation in the molten pool. Large WC particles have higher ability than small particles to penetrate into the molten pool and survive severe dissolution. Small WC particles were more likely to be completely dissolved around the top surface, forming a thicker region of reticulate (Fe, W)6C. Large WC particles can slow down the inward convection more, thereby leading to an increase in width and a decrease in the layer height of the weld bead. The mechanical properties and wear resistance significantly increased owing to reinforcement. Comparatively, samples with large WC particles showed inferior tensile properties owing to their higher susceptibility to cracks. Originality/value Fabricating metal matrix composites through the WAAM process is a novel concept that still requires further investigation. Apart from the self-designed gravity-driven powder feeding, the unique aspects of this study also include the revelation of the particle transportation mechanism of WC particles during deposition.

Influence of WC Particle Size on the Mechanical Properties and Residual Stress of HVOF Thermally Sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr Coatings.

Cermet coatings deposited using high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) are widely used due to their excellent wear and corrosion resistance. The new agglomeration–rapid sintering method is an excellent candidate for the preparation of WC–Co–Cr feedstock powders. In this study, four different WC–10Co–4Cr feedstock powders containing WC particles of different sizes were prepared by the new agglomeration–rapid sintering method and deposited on steel substrates using the HVOF technique. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation, and Vickers indentation. The through-thickness residual stress profiles of the coatings and substrate materials were determined using neutron diffraction. We found that the microstructures and mechanical properties of the coatings were strongly dependent on the WC particle size. Decarburization and anisotropic mechanical behaviors were exhibited in the coatings, especially in the nanostructured coating. The coatings containing nano- and medium-sized WC particles were dense and uniform, with a high Young’s modulus and hardness and the highest fracture toughness among the four coatings. As the WC particle size increased, the compressive stress in the coating increased considerably. Knowledge of these relationships enables the optimization of feedstock powder design to achieve superior mechanical performance of coatings in the future.

Three-Body Abrasive Wear Behavior of WC-10Cr3C2-12Ni Coating for Ball Mill Liner Application.

Carbide coatings are frequently used to improve the wear resistance of industrial components in various wear environments. In this research, aiming at the service characteristics of easy wear and short service life of ball mill liners, WC–10Cr3C2–12Ni coatings were prepared by supersonic flame spraying technology (HVOF). The reciprocating sliding tests were conducted under four different WC particle size conditions, and the differences in the tribological behavior of the coatings and three–body abrasive wear mechanism were obtained. The findings reveal that the average nanohardness of the WC–Cr3C2–Ni coating is nearly five times greater than that of the steel substance. The COF of tribo-pairs decreases and then increases as the particle size increases. In the case of no particles, the surface of the coating is slightly worn, with fatigue and oxidative wear being the primary wear mechanisms. Small particles (1.5 μm and 4 μm) are crushed and coated on the coating surface, in which the extremely fine particles are plasticized to form friction layers that have a protective effect on the coatings. The protective effect of the particles disappears as the particle size increases and is replaced by a powerful chiseling effect on the coatings, resulting in serious material loss. The particle size has a direct relationship with coating wear.

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

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.