Solid solution tungsten carbide powders and applications thereof
An improved tungsten carbide powder comprises (W,Cr)C solid solution phase for oxidation resistance at high temperatures. The improved tungsten carbide powders may be formed by carburizing a mixture of tungsten powder, carbon powder, and Cr 2 O 3 powder. The tungsten carbide powder herein may be used to form ready-to-press (RTP) or grade powders. These RTP may be used to form articles, including articles that require excellent oxidation resistance at high temperature. One such component is a seal ring for a liquid battery.
1 . A tungsten carbide powder comprising a (W,Cr)C solid-solution phase, comprising at least 5 wt. % chromium based on the total weight of the powder.
2 . The tungsten carbide powder of claim 1 , comprising at least 10 wt. % chromium based on total weight of the powder.
3 . The tungsten carbide powder of claim 1 having an average grain size of 0.4 μm to 10 μm.
4 . The tungsten carbide powder of claim 1 , wherein carbon is present in an amount of 1-10 weight percent of the powder.
5 . The tungsten carbide powder of claim 1 , wherein carbon is present in an amount of 5-10 weight percent of the powder.
6 . The tungsten carbide powder of claim 1 having the composition 5-15 weight percent chromium, 1-10 weight percent carbon, and the balance tungsten.