Inventors:
Gordon Zucker - Carefree AZ, US
Jerome Downey - Parker CO, US
David Bahr - Denver CO, US
Frank Stephens - Lakewood CO, US
John Hager - Goldon CO, US
International Classification:
C01B031/34
Abstract:
A method for the production of fine-grain tungsten carbide (WC) powder comprising heating a tungsten precursor compound in contact with a gas mixture including a hydrocarbon such as methane (CH). The method is preferably a one-step continuous method wherein the heating rate and reaction temperature is well controlled for the economical production of high quality tungsten carbide powder. The tungsten carbide powder advantageously has a high purity and a small crystallite size and can be used in the manufacture of products such as cutting tools having high wear resistance.