Synthesis of Tungsten Carbides in a Spark Discharge.

The synthesis of a wear-resistant modification of tungsten carbide (B-WC) is described. Machining regimes are chosen in which the B-WC powder in the erosion products amounts to about 80% of the entire volume. The particles obtained are of noncircular shape with dimensions from 0 to 4 mu m. The B-WC modification is metastable and at 800 degree C is transformed into mu -WC and W//2C. The powder can be used to make tools with improved operational properties and is obtained in a spark discharge on ordinary electric spark machines.