Tungsten Powder:Properties,Grades and Suppliers

Tungsten powder is a pure, finely divided form of tungsten metal used across various industries. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of tungsten powder types, compositions, properties, applications, specifications, pricing, comparisons, and suppliers.

Overview of Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder is produced by reducing tungsten oxide under hydrogen atmosphere. The resulting pure tungsten powder exhibits unique properties like:

  • Extremely high density
  • High temperature strength
  • Wear and corrosion resistance
  • Thermal and electrical conductivity
  • Low coefficient of expansion

Key attributes of tungsten powder include:

  • Purity levels from 99% to 99.999% W
  • Controlled particle size and morphology
  • Spherical, flattened or angular powder shapes
  • Tap densities from 9 to 12 g/cc
  • Passivated surface for handling in air

With its distinctive properties, tungsten powder is ideally suited for manufacturing components for demanding applications via powder metallurgy as well as coating deposition processes.

Types of Tungsten Powder

Various standard grades and specialized types of tungsten powder are commercially available:

Types of Tungsten Powder

TypeDescription
Pure99.9% to 99.999% W, low contaminants
AlloyedSmall additions of Cu, Ni, Fe
Nano powderParticle size under 100 nm
SphericalSmooth rounded particle shape
AngularJagged, irregular particle shape
Thermally spray gradeFormed into agglomerates
Chemical gradeFor tungsten compounds, catalysts

Pure tungsten is most common. Alloying elements, particle size, shape, and coatings can be varied based on application needs.

Tungsten Powder

Composition of Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder composition by weight percentage:

  • Tungsten (W) – balance
  • Typical impurities:
    • Oxygen (O) – 0.06% – 0.50%
    • Carbon (C) – 0.02% – 0.30%
    • Nitrogen (N) – 0.02% – 0.10%
    • Hydrogen (H) – 0.01% – 0.10%
  • Alloying elements in small amounts:
    • Copper (Cu) – 1% max
    • Nickel (Ni) – 1% max
    • Iron (Fe) – 1% max
    • Potassium (K) – 0.03% max

High purity tungsten grades minimize impurities for superior performance. Specific compositions are customized as per application needs.

Properties of Tungsten Powder

Key properties of various tungsten powder grades:

Properties of Tungsten Powder

PropertyValueSignificance
Density18-19 g/ccImparts weight, strength
Melting point3400°CRetains strength at high temperatures
Electrical resistivity5.5 x 10^-6 ΩmHeating element, electronics
Thermal conductivity170 W/mKHeat dissipation
Coefficient of thermal expansion4.5 x 10^-6 /°CThermal shock resistance
Young’s modulus400 GPaStiffness, resistance to deformation
Vickers hardness400 HVWear resistance

The unique properties of tungsten make it suitable for high temperature, wear-resistant, and high-density applications across industries.

Characteristics of Tungsten Powder

Key characteristics of tungsten powder:

Tungsten Powder Characteristics

CharacteristicTypical ValuesSignificance
Particle shapeVariedAffects density, flowability
Particle size0.5 – 150 μmSmaller sizes improve sintering
Apparent density2 – 3 g/ccIndicates compaction and shrinkage
Tap density9 – 12 g/ccHigh packing density
Specific surface area0.05 – 0.5 m2/gImpacts reactivity, sintering
Oxygen content500 – 1500 ppmCauses embrittlement if high
Flow rate20 – 30 s/50gMeasure of powder flowability

Morphology, size distribution, density, surface area and flow rate are controlled during manufacturing as per end application requirements.

Specifications of Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder products are specified by:

Tungsten Powder Specifications

ParameterTypical Values
Purity99.9% to 99.999% W
Particle size1 to 150 μm
Apparent density2 to 4 g/cc
Tap density9 to 12 g/cc
Specific surface area0.05 to 0.5 m2/g
Oxygen content< 2000 ppm
Carbon content< 1000 ppm
Hydrogen content< 200 ppm
Nitrogen content< 100 ppm
Alloying elements< 1%

Meeting composition limits, particle size distribution, surface area, density, and impurity specifications ensures suitability for intended applications.

Size Distribution of Tungsten Powder

Various tungsten powder size fractions are available:

Tungsten Powder Size Distribution

Particle SizeDescriptionApplications
1 – 10 μmSuperfine powderAdditive manufacturing, electronics
10 – 25 μmFine powderCompacts, thermal spray
25 – 45 μmMedium powderTooling, cutting tools
45 – 150 μmCoarse powderHeavy alloys, radiation shielding

Finer tungsten powder sizes improve sintered density and properties but are harder to handle. Coarser sizes offer better flow and packing for press and sinter applications.

Grades of Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder grades classified by purity levels:

Grades of Tungsten Powder

GradePurity (%W)Total Impurities (ppm)
CP99.910000
RMP99.955000
SP99.982000
UHP99.991000
UP99.999100

CP = crude powder, RMP = reactor melt powder, SP = sodium-reduced powder, UHP = ultra high purity, UP = ultra purity

Higher purity reduces contaminants for improved performance. Custom alloy grades are also produced.

Global Standards for Tungsten Powder

Key international specifications for tungsten powder:

  • ASTM B763 – Standard for pure tungsten powder
  • ISO 18274 – Chemical analysis of tungsten powders
  • ASTM B939 – Standard guide for tungsten powder characterization
  • ISO 13779 – Determination of tap density and apparent density
  • JIS H 5302 – Japanese standard for tungsten powder
  • GB/T 11024 – Chinese national standard for tungsten powder

Compliance with global standards ensures quality and performance for industrial use.

Applications of Tungsten Powder

Major applications of tungsten powder across industries:

Tungsten Powder Applications

IndustryApplication
AerospaceTurbine blades, rocket nozzles
AutomotiveFilaments in lamps, gyro weights
ElectronicsContacts and heat sinks
PetrochemicalCatalysts for refining
ManufacturingCutting tools, dies, tooling
DefenseKinetic energy penetrators, radiation shielding
SportingShotgun pellets, darts, fishing weights

Tungsten’s high temperature strength and density suit it for nose cones, heat sinks, tooling, and weights. It also has chemical and electronic uses.

Suppliers of Tungsten Powder

Key global suppliers of pure tungsten powder:

Tungsten Powder Manufacturers

CompanyLocation
HC StarckGermany, USA
Buffalo TungstenUSA
Midwest TungstenUSA
Wolfram CompanyAustria
TaeguTecSouth Korea
Japanese New MetalsJapan
GTPChina

These companies offer various tungsten powder grades meeting international quality standards. Both standard and customer-specified products are available.

Pricing of Tungsten Powder

Tungsten powder price depends on factors like:

  • Purity grade
  • Particle size and distribution
  • Powder shape and morphology
  • Surface area and density
  • Purchase quantity
  • Production process used
  • Supply and demand market dynamics

Tungsten Powder Price

GradePrice per kg
CP (99.9% W)$50 – $100
RMP (99.95% W)$100 – $150
SP (99.98% W)$150 – $250
UHP (99.99% W)$200 – $400
UP (99.999% W)$500 – $1000

Economics of scale apply – prices are lower for bulk orders of 100+ kg. Ultrafine nano powders can cost significantly higher.

Tungsten Powder

Pros and Cons of Tungsten Powder

Advantages of Tungsten Powder

  • Extreme hardness and strength
  • Density allows compact weight reduction
  • Retains properties at very high temperatures
  • Excellent thermal conductivity
  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion
  • Biocompatible – suitable for medical implants
  • Environmental stability and corrosion resistance

Disadvantages of Tungsten Powder

  • Expensive compared to other metal powders
  • Limited global supply and availability
  • Difficult to machine due to hardness
  • Brittle with low fracture toughness
  • High processing temperatures required
  • Prone to oxidation at elevated temperatures
  • Specific hazards associated with fine powders

Tungsten’s unmatched thermal, mechanical, and ballistic properties justify its use where performance outweighs cost. Proper precautions must be taken when handling fine tungsten powders.

Comparison With Other Metal Powders

Comparison of Tungsten Powder With Alternatives

ParameterTungstenMolybdenumTantalum
Density19 g/cc10 g/cc16 g/cc
Melting point3410°C2610°C2996°C
Electrical resistivity5.5 μΩ-cm5.5 μΩ-cm13 μΩ-cm
Thermal conductivity165 W/m-K140 W/m-K57 W/m-K
Coefficient of thermal expansion4.5 ×10−6/K5.0 ×10−6/K6.5 ×10−6/K
Price per kg$50-$1000$30-$100$250-$500

Molybdenum and tantalum have some overlapping properties but lower density and cost. Tungsten outperforms on key thermal and mechanical characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is tungsten powder produced?

A: Tungsten powder is primarily made by hydrogen reduction of tungsten oxides at high temperature followed by crushing and milling to achieve the desired particle size distribution.

Q: What are the different grades of tungsten powder?

A: Common tungsten powder grades categorized by increasing purity levels are CP, RMP, SP, UHP, and UP. Purity levels range from 99.9% to 99.999% tungsten.

Q: What particle sizes of tungsten powder are available?

A: Tungsten powder particle sizes range from 1 micron to 150 microns. Finer powders improve sintering while coarser sizes have better flowability.

Q: What industries use tungsten powder the most?

A: Key industries using tungsten powder include aerospace, military, automotive, electronics, manufacturing, and the chemical industry.

Q: What alloys can tungsten powder be combined with?

A: Tungsten is alloyed with iron, nickel, copper or cobalt to improve toughness. Small amounts of carbide forming elements like titanium or tantalum are also added.

Q: What precautions should be taken when handling tungsten powder?

A: Fine tungsten powder can combust and must be handled in an inert atmosphere. Pressurized hydrogen usage during production necessitates safety measures.

Q: How is tungsten powder processed into end products?

A: Main methods are powder metallurgy, metal injection molding, additive manufacturing, thermal spraying, powder rolling, and hot isostatic pressing.

Q: What are emerging trends for tungsten powder?

A: Additive manufacturing and nanostructured tungsten powders for cutting tools, electronics, and alloys with improved ductility and toughness.

Q: Are tungsten powder products recyclable?

A: Yes, tungsten scrap and unused powder can be recycled by hydrogen reduction. Some processing is required to remove coatings or impurities.

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