Preparation of Co powders for cemented carbides in China

Cobalt has been used as a supreme binder in cemented carbides. As the largest production nation of cemented carbides in the world, large amounts of cobalt powders, about 1200 tons in 2005, are consumed in China market. It is known that many factors, both in terms of composition and processing techniques, affect cemented carbides properties that are correlative with the ingredient, particle size, particle shape and microstructure of the cobalt powders. The studies on preparation of Co powders for cemented carbides in China are reviewed in this paper. The fabrication method, particle size and shape of cobalt powders are described and discussed according to the processing techniques. The typically chemical and physical properties of cobalt powders in Chinese production are introduced briefly. In order to further improve the cemented carbides quality, more research works on the microstructure and composition of doped alloying elements cobalt powders should be made in China in future.