Introduction
Tungsten, or wolfram, is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is one of the rarest metals on Earth, and is extremely dense and hard, making it an ideal material for many manufacturing and industrial applications. Tungsten is also resistant to corrosion, and has a high melting point, making it suitable for use in high-temperature environments.
Tungsten is mostly extracted from ore and is refined into tungsten carbide and other alloys. Tungsten carbide is an extremely strong and hard material, with the highest melting point of all known metals. It is used in many industries, including military and aerospace, as it is very strong and corrosion resistant. It is also used as a cutting tool in heavy industry, as it can cut through very hard materials.
Tungsten also has various uses in electronics and lighting. In lighting, it is used for halogen and HID light bulbs, as well as for circuit components in solar panels, computer displays, and transformers. Tungsten is also used to make electrical contacts and as an alloy in some electronic and electrical components.
Tungsten has two allotropic forms: “alpha” and “beta” tungsten. The alpha form is a soft and ductile metal, while the beta form is much harder and is used in industrial applications. The alpha form is usually processed into tungsten wire or bars, while the beta form is usually processed into tungsten carbide and other alloys.
Tungsten has a very low vapor pressure, making it an inert element that is not easily oxidized, and so it makes ideal crucibles and containers for chemical reactions. It also has high electrical conductivity and is very heat resistant, making it suitable for use in electrical wiring and as electrodes.
Tungsten is a very common element and is found all over the world. Major tungsten producing countries include China, Russia, Canada and the United States. It is available in many forms, including alloys, wires, grades and blocks, and in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common form of tungsten is ultra-high-purity (UHP) tungsten, which is 99.999% pure and is used for semiconductor and medical applications.
Conclusion
Tungsten is an incredibly durable, dense and heat-resistant metal, making it a very useful material for many industries. It is primarily used in the military and aerospace industry, as well as in various electronics and lighting applications. It is also used to make tungsten carbide and other alloys, which are extremely hard and durable, making them suitable for use in high-temperature and corrosive environments. Tungsten is found all over the world, and is available in many forms, including alloys, wires, grades and blocks. Tungsten is mostly extracted from ore and is usually processed into ultra-high-purity tungsten, which is used for semiconductor and medical applications.
