Preparation of ultrafine WC-10Co composite powders by reduction and carbonization

A solid state synthesis of ultrafine/nanocrystalline WC-10Co composite powders was reported from WO3, Co3O4 and carbon powders after reduction and carburization at relatively low temperatures in a short time under pure H2 atmosphere. The effects of ball milling time and reaction temperature on the preparation of ultrafine/nanocrystalline WC-Co composite powders were studied using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that fine mixed oxide powders (WO3, Co3O4 and carbon powders) can be obtained by long time ball milling. Increasing the reaction temperature can decrease the formation of Co3W3C and graphite phases and increase the WC crystallite size. Long-time ball milling and high reaction temperature are favorable to obtain fine and pure composite powders consisting of nanocrystalline WC from WO3, Co3O4 and carbon powders.