tungstencombined

Tungstencombined is a conceptual term used to describe materials in which tungsten is chemically bound to other elements, forming compounds or alloys. It is not a single defined substance but a category that includes oxides, sulfides, carbides, nitrides, borides, and intermetallics that contain tungsten.

Common forms within the category include tungsten carbide (WC), tungsten oxides such as tungsten trioxide (WO3) and related oxides, tungstates (ions such as WO4 2– in salts), tungsten sulfides (e.g., WS2), and tungsten nitrides (WN). The category also covers tungsten-containing alloys formed with metals like cobalt, nickel, or iron, which are used to tailor properties for specific applications.

Properties of tungstencombined materials vary with composition but share several characteristics. Tungsten itself has a very high melting point (3422°C) and high density (about 19.3 g/cm3). Carbide and intermetallic forms often exhibit exceptional hardness and wear resistance, while oxides and nitrides can show semiconducting, electrochromic, or catalytic properties. The chemical stability of tungsten compounds under high temperatures makes them useful in demanding environments.

Synthesis and production methods span direct formation from tungsten precursors, carburization to produce WC, and various deposition or sintering techniques. Chemical vapor deposition can create tungsten-containing coatings, while powder metallurgy and cemented carbide processes (for WC-Co tools) are common for dense, wear-resistant materials. Some tungsten compounds, such as tungsten hexafluoride (WF6), are handled as industrial precursors in specialized chemical processes, requiring strict safety controls.

Applications are diverse, including cutting tools and wear parts, protective coatings, electrochromic and catalytic materials, electronic components, and historical tungsten filaments in lighting. The term also reflects the broader practice of combining tungsten with other elements to tailor high-temperature, high-density, or hard-wearing performance.

Etymology and related terms: tungsten derives from the Swedish tung sten, meaning heavy stone; see tungsten, tungsten carbide, tungsten oxides.