How to Build Carbide Carbons

The chemical compound carbide is composed of carbon and another less electronegative element. It serves as the toughening component in such manufactured goods as calcium carbide and cementite. However, the term carbide often refers to tungsten carbide in particular. This type of carbide is formed when carbon atoms bond to a metallic element with a large atomic radius and an intermittent electronegativity. Combine carbide powder with cobalt grains and bind the mixture with wax to facilitate further manipulation. This carbide and cobalt powder mixture can be put in a mold and shaped into jewelry, drill bits and other designs with an acetylene torch or other heat source capable of outputting 6000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Things You'll Need

• Carbon black
• Tungsten metal lattice
• Metal oxides
• Wax
• Cobalt
• Ball mill
• Atmosphere-controlled furnace

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Pack the carbon black into the tungsten lattice. Place the lattice in the atmosphere-controlled furnace.

   • 2

     Heat the furnace to a temperature between 2600 degrees Fahrenheit and 3600 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait until the carbon bonds with the tungsten and forms a tungsten carbide powder.

   • 3

     Combine the powder with cobalt powder. Add wax as a binder. Thoroughly mix this material in a ball mill.