Recovered cemented carbide scrap as powder raw material

Abstract

Cemented carbide scrap was reclaimed by commercial zinc recycling process to fine powder. Life cycle assessment study revealed clear benefits of recycling. The fine powders were further processed by spray drying and high shear mixing to feed stocks usable for sintering and thermal spraying. Both powders and manufactured parts were characterized and compared to references. According to our results slight variations in the composition seems to be negligible. Process and application relevant composition adjustments (Co, Cr etc.) can be performed like primary materials. The most critical issue is the particle size distribution, shape, and density of both fine powder and granulated feed stock. As good as or even better results than reference were obtained affected by small differences in particle characteristics, which indicate very good applicability of the reclaimed WC-Co materials. High performance products can be assured by careful selection of the scrap and adjusting process phases according to application.

Original article: J. Lagerbom, V. Marttinen, H. Penttilä, T. Kinos, V. Marjamaa, T. Varis, E. Huttunen-Saarivirta, T. Laitinen, first published in the EURO PM2025 Congress Proceedings. © EPMA – European Powder Metallurgy Association.