HIGH-TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS OF TUNGSTEN CARBIDE IN A METHANE-HYDROGEN GAS MEDIUM

Tungsten carbide synthesis in a methane-hydrogen medium have been stud ied and the conditions for obtaining WC power with no free-carbon impu rity determined. Hard alloys based on a ''gas'' carbide have been show n to exhibit high ductility. The results of the study have been used t o develop a commercial process to produce high-ductile hard alloys for high-pressure equipment, stamping dies, and drilling tools.