Obtaining of tungsten nanopowders by high energy ball milling

Abstract The objective of the work is identifying the modes of ball milling of the W16,5 and PWT grade tungsten that ensure obtaining nanosized powders. Milling was performed with the AGO-2U planetary-centrifugal mill for 5, 15, 60, and 120 min at the carrier rotation frequencies of 400, 800, and 1000 rpm. After milling, the shape and size of tungsten powder particles was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of work hardening and aggregation on milling of the powders has been demonstrated. As a result of ball milling, nanoparticles of tungsten sized from 25 nm have been obtained. It has been found that the minimum size of particles is achieved at the carrier rotation frequency of 800 rpm and milling duration of not less than 60 min.