Recovered Cemented Carbide Scrap As Powder Raw Material

Cemented carbide scrap was reclaimed by commercial zinc recycling process to a fine powder. The fine powder was further processed by spray drying and high shear mixing to feedstock for sintering and thermal spraying. Both powders and manufactured parts were characterized and compared to references. The results revealed that process and application relevant compositional adjustments (Co, Cr etc.) of the powder can be performed like for primary raw materials. The most critical issues are the particle size distribution, shape, and density of the fine powder and granulated feedstock. As good as or even better results than reference were obtained irrespective of small differences in particle characteristics, which indicate very good applicability of the reclaimed WC-Co materials. Life cycle assessment study revealed clear benefits of recycling. High performance products can be assured by a careful selection of the scrap and adjusting the process according to the application