Synthesis of Al2O3-WC composite powder by SHS process

Al2O3-WC composite powder was synthesized by self-propagating high-temperat ure synthesis using Al powder as a reducing agent. WC, W2C and Al2O3 were c oncurrently formed in WO3-Al-C system. It was found that the complete react ion was achieved with excessive addition of carbon and appropriate processi ng parameters such as degree of dilution, particle size of aluminum, pellet compaction pressure and carbon source. The final product which was leached by 50% 1 : 4 HNO3 + HF diluted solution was consisted of Al2O3-55wt% WC ha ving 2-3 mu m of mean particle size. (C) 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers.