Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Metallurgy of Cast W–C–Co Ceramics

Experimental data are reported that demonstrate the feasibility of producing cast W–C–Co carbide ceramics using a thermite-type highly exothermic mixture consisting of two components: (1) WO3/Al/Ca/C and (2) Co3O4/Al. We show that, during synthesis in a reactor under a nitrogen pressure, the mixture is capable of burning at any WO3/Al/Ca/C and Co3O4/Al ratios and that the combustion temperature exceeds the melting point of the combustion products (W–C–Co and Al2O3) in a wide composition range. Varying the ratio of compositions 1 and 2 and the percentages of carbon and aluminum in the starting mixture makes it possible to control the chemical and phase compositions and structure of the required cast material (W–C–Co).