Preparation of tungsten-molybdenum alloy powder by “hydride” technology

The paper presents the findings of a study investigating the production and characterisation of tungsten and molybdenum powders through the application of two distinct methodologies: mechanical mixing and sol-gel technology. Moreover, the resulting powders were subjected to reduction in a hydrogen current. The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of the resulting materials and to identify the most effective method for achieving the desired properties. In the course of the experiments, samples of tungsten and molybdenum powders were prepared using both methods. Subsequently, the physical and chemical properties of the samples, including particle size, surface morphology, crystal structure, and chemical composition, were subjected to detailed examination. The findings revealed that each method possesses distinctive advantages and disadvantages with regard to the resulting powders. The mechanical mixing process yielded powders with relatively fine particles and a non-homogeneous structure, which may be advantageous for certain applications that do not necessitate the formation of alloys. In contrast, the sol-gel method yielded particles of comparable coarseness and chemical homogeneity, which is crucial for enhancing mechanical properties.  The article was prepared with the assistance of laboratory assistant V. D. Miroshkina, laboratory assistant I. L. Sinkina, and junior researcher D. A. Tkachev. This study was supported by the Tomsk State University Development Programme (Priority-2030).