Preparation of Tungsten powder via electrolytic method
Tungsten powder is an essential material for a large number of industrial applications, including the production of cemented carbide, aerospace components, superalloys and electronic components. Traditionally, producers use chemical reduction process, thermal-chemical reduction processes, and plasma-arc evaporation, to produce tungsten powder. However, these methods generally call for expensive starting materials, complicated reaction steps and hazardous chemistries, which limit the use of tungsten powder in many applications. An alternative approach is to use molten salt electrolysis to produce tungsten powder. This technique has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective method, and a safe process for obtaining tungsten powder with a smaller number of steps.
Molten salt electrolysis is a process by which an electrolyte is used in an electrolytic cell to induce an electric current, which then reduces the metal ions of the electrolyte and produces the powders. In this technique, an electrolyte composed of a salt mixed with an ionic substance is heated to a molten state. This molten electrolyte acts as a cathode and the anode is composed of a metal or a non-metal material. When a current is passed through the electrolyte, the ions of the solvent divide and form metal ions, which are then reduced and end up as small particles in the form of a powder.
In the case of tungsten, the electrolyte is composed of sodium chloride with tungsten ions. When a current is passed through the electrolyte, the tungsten ions are reduced to form tungsten powder which is then filtered and collected. This process yields a fine powder with a uniform particle size, enabling a larger surface area for the delivery of high-impact forces. The reaction time is short, and the reaction temperature is low, allowing for a safe production of tungsten powder.
The process also offers several advantages compared to other tungsten powders production processes. The reaction time is short and the reaction temperature is low, allowing for a safe production of tungsten powder. The process requires simple equipment setup and can be completed with a relatively low investment. This offers the potential for lower overall costs compared to other production techniques. Furthermore, the process does not require hazardous chemicals, such as zinc or boron, and its environmental impact is relatively low.
In conclusion, molten salt electrolysis is a cost-effective alternative to other technological processes for the production of tungsten powder. The process provides users with an easy to set up and economic method to obtain tungsten powder with a smaller number of steps, a uniform particle size and a reduced environmental impact. As this process offers several advantages over traditional methods, it is an ideal choice for many applications that require tungsten powder.
