Ferrotungsten
Alloy of tungsten and iron
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ferrotungsten (FeW) is a ferroalloy, consisting of iron and tungsten.[2] The metal usually consists of 75%-82% or 70%-75% tungsten.
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3D model (JSmol) |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.108.319 |
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| Properties | |
| Appearance | white solid |
| Melting point | 1,650 °C (3,000 °F; 1,920 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Applications
Because of its high melting point, ferrotungsten is a robust alloy with applications in aerospace[3] and making of tungsten-containing steel. Tungsten's unique electrical capabilities have made ferrotungsten useful in electron microscopes and IC chips.
Production
Discovered in 1874, world ferrotungsten production today is dominated by China, which in 2008 exported 4,835 t (gross weight) of the alloy. Ferrotungsten is relatively expensive, with the prices around $31–44 per kilogram of contained tungsten.[4] During World War 2, over 21,000,000 lb of Ferro-tungsten and other ferroalloys were shipped to Russia on lend-lease.[3] The cost was more than $12,000,000.
Ferrotungsten comes from rich ore raw materials primarily of wolframite or scheelite.