Preparation of uniform tungsten powder by wet hydrogen reduction and its process regulation

• Published in: Materials letters 2024-12, Vol.377, p.137343, Article 137343
• Main Authors: Liu, Baixiong, Wei, Minguo, Zhao, Wenmin, Zhong, Zhiqiang, Zeng, Xianxiu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CVT; Dew point; Particle uniformity; Reduction rate; Wet hydrogen reduction
• ISSN: 0167-577X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2024.137343

•Uniform tungsten powders were prepared by an improved wet hydrogen reduction method.•Explored the relationship between dew point, reduction temperature and particle size of tungsten powder.•Discussed the growth mechanism of tungsten powder during the wet hydrogen reduction process. Tungsten powders with uniform particles were prepared by wet hydrogen and dynamic reduction. The effects of the dew point of hydrogen and reduction temperature on the size of tungsten particles were investigated. The results showed that the increase in reduction temperature increased the nucleation and growth rate of tungsten particles. The particle size distribution interval increased from 1-4 μm to 1–6 μm. The high hydrogen dew point led to the enhancement of the chemical vapor transport(CVT) process, which accelerated the growth rate of fine particles and ultimately improved the tungsten powder uniformity. However, wet hydrogen increases the equilibrium constant of the reaction, resulting in a lower reduction rate.