EXTRACTION FACTOR OF TUNGSTEN SOURCES FROM TUNGSTEN SCRAPS BY ZINC DECOMPOSITION PROCESS

Decomposition promoting factors and extraction process of tungsten carbide and tungstic acid powders in the zinc decomposition process of tungsten scraps which are composed mostly of tungsten carbide and cobalt were evaluated. Zinc volatility was suppressed by the enclosed graphite crucible and zinc volatilization pressure was produced in the reaction graphite crucible inside an electric furnace for ZDP (Zinc Decomposition Process). Decomposition reaction was done for 2hours at 650 degrees, which 100% decomposed the tungsten scraps that were over 30 mm thick. Decomposed scraps were pulverized under 75 mu m and were composed of tungsten carbide and cobalt identified by the XRD (X-ray Diffraction). To produce the WC(Tungsten Carbide) powder directly from decomposed scraps, pulverized powders were reacted with hydrochloric acid to remove the cobalt binder. Also to produce the tungstic acid, pulverized powders were reacted with aqua regia to remove the cobalt binder and oxidize the tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide and tungstic acid powders were identified by XRD and chemical composition analysis.