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Ta-W Alloys: Features And Manufacturing
Tantalum tungsten alloys have long been used in many fields. They provide strength, stability, and high resistance to heat. The alloys come in different compositions, such as TaW2.5 and TaW10, which have their own unique traits.
What Are Ta-W Alloys
Tantalum-tungsten alloys, abbreviated as Ta-W alloys, are specialised metal materials that consist mainly of tantalum (Ta) and tungsten (W). The most commonly used Ta-W alloys in the market are Ta10W, which has 10% by weight of tungsten, and Ta2.5W, which has 2.5% by weight of tungsten.
Ta-W alloys have unique physical and chemical properties that make them useful in various applications:
- High melting point: Ta-W alloys have a melting temperature of about 3080°C, making them useful in extreme heat.
- Excellent high-temperature strength: Ta-W alloys can withstand extreme heat without deforming or breaking.
- Good wear resistance: Ta-W alloys can withstand abrasion or friction.
- Excellent creep resistance: Ta-W alloys can withstand extreme heat without deforming.
- Excellent corrosion resistance: Ta-W alloys can withstand various corrosive substances, including wet chlorine, chlorinated water, hypochlorous acid, and hydrochloric acid.
Tantalum Tungsten Alloy Properties and Data Sheet
|
Property |
TaW2.5 |
TaW10 |
Notes |
|
Melting Point |
~3080 °C |
~3080 °C |
Slight increase with W |
|
Density |
~16.6 g/cm³ |
~16.7 g/cm³ |
Slightly increases with W |
|
Tensile Strength (RT) |
~450–550 MPa |
~600–700 MPa |
Strength increases with W |
|
Recrystallization Temp. |
~1200 °C |
~1400–1600 °C |
Improves with more W |
|
Hardness (Vickers) |
~120–140 HV |
~180–200 HV |
Higher with more W |
|
Creep Resistance |
Good |
Excellent |
Improved at high temperatures |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Similar to pure Ta |
|
Electrical Resistivity |
~25–30 µΩ·cm |
~35–40 µΩ·cm |
Increases with W |
For more information, please check Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).
Comparing TaW2.5, TaW10, etc
There are different kinds of Ta-W alloys, and each has a different composition for different uses. TaW2.5 has about 2.5% tungsten by weight, which makes it easier to mould. TaW10 has about 10% tungsten by weight, which gives it more strength. In choosing an alloy, the amount of tungsten required for the task is considered.
The heat properties of the alloy also change. More tungsten means less expansion of the alloy. This is important in situations where temperature changes are rapid. The mechanical strength and density of the alloy also depend on the amount of tungsten. TaW2.5 is suitable for soft work, while TaW10 is suitable for hard work.
Manufacturing of Tantalum Tungsten Alloys
The production of tantalum-tungsten (Ta-W) alloys involves a series of precise metallurgical processes designed to ensure uniform composition, high purity, and excellent mechanical performance. The typical manufacturing steps include:
1. Powder Mixing
Ultra-fine tantalum and tungsten powders are measured according to the desired composition (for example, 2.5% or 10% tungsten by weight). The powders are then mixed to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Homogeneity is critical in the alloying process.
2. Compaction
The mixture of tantalum and tungsten powders is compacted in moulds under high pressure. The compacted powder is now in the form of a green compact, a preliminary product that serves as the precursor to the final product.
3. Sintering
The green compact is then sintered in a high-temperature vacuum furnace. During the sintering process, the tantalum and tungsten particles bond metallurgically. The product is a porous pre-alloyed billet or a sintered ingot.
4. Melting and Refining
The sintered ingots are melted in a vacuum arc remelting or an electron beam melting furnace. The process is repeated several times to ensure homogeneity of the alloy. The product is a dense alloy ingot.
5. Post-Melting Processing
The alloy ingots are processed through a series of hot working operations such as forging, rolling, and annealing. The hot working process refines the alloy microstructure to obtain the desired properties.
Applications of Ta-W Alloys
Ta-W alloys are used in various industries that require materials with high thermal resistance, chemical stability, and mechanical strength. Some of the applications of Ta-W alloys include:
- Aerospace: Ta-W alloys are used for various aerospace applications, including high-temperature fasteners, rocket nozzles, and heat shields.
- Chemical processing: Ta-W alloys are used for various chemical processing applications, including equipment exposed to corrosive environments containing chlorinated water, acids, or hypochlorites.
- Electronics and vacuum systems: Ta-W alloys are used for various applications in the electronics sector, including maintaining structural integrity in high-vacuum environments.
- Industrial machinery: Ta-W alloys are used for various applications in the metalworking sector due to their high strength and wear resistance.
- Medical technology: Ta-W alloys are used for various medical applications that require corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Tantalum Tungsten alloys are a reliable part of modern engineering. Their significant thermal properties and resistance to strenuous conditions make them useful in various sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
F: What makes Tantalum Tungsten alloys suitable for high-heat environments?
Q: They resist high temperatures due to high melting points and low thermal expansion.
F: How is the alloy composition selected for specific tasks?
Q: Engineers use density, strength, and thermal properties to choose the correct alloy grade.
F: Can these alloys be used in vacuum environments?
Q: Yes, their stability and heat resistance make them ideal for vacuum and inert atmospheres.
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