Oxidation and reduction of tungsten alloy swarf

Oxidation of a heavy metal alloy (swarf) followed by reduction in dry hydrogen atmosphere was studied. The swarf was oxidised at 750 °C to 1000 °C and then reduced at 800 °C. Analysis of the resulting powder was studied using thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The average particle size of the reduced powder was 1-3 μm. The chemical composition of the reduced powder was the same as the primary heavy alloy swarf.