What is Tungsten Carbide (WC) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles?

Tungsten Carbide (WC) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles are ultrafine ceramic-metallic (cermet) particles with exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability. Due to their high density, strength, and resistance to extreme environments, they are widely used in cutting tools, coatings, electronics, and aerospace applications.

Chemical Properties and CAS Number

  • Chemical Formula: WC
  • CAS Number: 12070-12-1
  • Molecular Weight: 195.85 g/mol
  • Appearance: Gray to black nanopowder
  • Purity: 99% – 99.999%
  • Particle Size: 10 – 500 nm (custom sizes available)
  • Density: 15.63 g/cm³
  • Melting Point: 2,870°C
  • Boiling Point: 6,000°C
  • Hardness: ~9 Mohs (close to diamond)
  • Thermal Conductivity: ~84 W/(m·K)
  • Electrical Resistivity: ~20 µΩ·cm

Applications of Tungsten Carbide (WC) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles

1. Cutting Tools & Hard Coatings

  • Used in drills, milling cutters, saw blades, and wear-resistant coatings.
  • Provides extreme hardness and extended tool life in machining, mining, and metalworking.
  • Used in 3D printing powders for industrial additive manufacturing.

2. Thermal Spraying & Wear-Resistant Coatings

  • Applied in plasma spraying and HVOF (High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel) coatings.
  • Increases abrasion resistance and hardness in aerospace, oil & gas, and automotive components.
  • Used in armor coatings, bulletproof materials, and high-impact industrial applications.

3. Electronics & Semiconductor Industry

  • Used in nano-electronics, heat-resistant coatings, and vacuum deposition processes.
  • Acts as electrical contacts, conductive fillers, and thermal interface materials (TIMs).
  • Essential in MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems), nano-devices, and precision resistors.

4. Catalysis & Chemical Industry

  • Works as a catalyst support in hydrogenation reactions.
  • Replaces platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells and hydrogen production.
  • Applied in hydrocarbon processing, ammonia synthesis, and Fischer-Tropsch reactions.

5. Aerospace & Defense

  • Used in high-performance turbine blades, rocket nozzles, and wear-resistant aircraft components.
  • Enhances missile coatings, armor plating, and advanced military applications.

6. Biomedical & Dental Applications

  • Used in high-strength medical implants, orthopedic tools, and dental drills.
  • Provides biocompatibility and corrosion resistance in biomedical coatings.

Pricing of Tungsten Carbide (WC) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles

Prices depend on particle size, purity, order volume, and application requirements:

  • Lab-Scale Orders: $300 – $1,200 per 100g
  • Industrial-Scale Orders: $5,000 – $15,000 per kg
  • Custom Orders: Pricing varies based on synthesis method, custom coatings, and surface functionalization.

Factors Influencing Pricing

  • Purity Level (99% – 99.999%)
  • Particle Size (10 – 500 nm, custom sizes available)
  • Nano vs. Micro-Scale Powder
  • Custom Surface Treatments & Functionalization
  • Bulk Order Discounts & Industrial Applications
  • Market Prices of Tungsten & Carbon

Conclusion

Tungsten Carbide (WC) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles are among the hardest and most wear-resistant nanomaterials, making them indispensable in advanced cutting tools, coatings, aerospace, electronics, and catalysis. Their high thermal stability, conductivity, and extreme hardness make them a key material for next-generation nano-engineering applications.

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