Numerical optimization of the charge production process by electrodispersion of T5K10 alloy waste

One of the main problems of using tungsten-containing hard alloys at present is the high cost of tungsten. Due to the high melting point, there is a problem of their recycling for secondary use. One of the promising methods of their processing into spherical powders is electroerosive dispersion (EED). To date, there is no complete information in the modern scientific and technical literature on the use of T5K10 alloy particles dispersed by electroerosion as a charge for the production of tungsten-titanium-cobalt alloys and cutting tools from them. For these purposes, comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies are required.
In order to predict the high physical and mechanical properties of products from the resulting charge, it was necessary to optimize the modes of electroerosive dispersion of T5K10 alloy waste by the experimental planning method. For the charge, one of the main technological parameters is the optimal dispersion, therefore, the optimization of the process of obtaining the charge for the production of sintered hard alloys was carried out according to the average particle size. Electroerosive dispersion of T5K10 alloy waste was carried out on an experimental installation (RF Patent No. 2449859). As a result of exposure to short-term electrical discharges, carbide particles of various shapes and sizes were formed. Optimization of the process of electrodispersion of particles obtained by the EED of solid alloy waste of the T5K10 brand was carried out by experimental determination of a combination of levels of factors at which the required value of the average diameter of the particles of the electroerosion charge was achieved. To do this, the method of steep ascent of Box and Wilson was used. Optimization of the process of electrodispersing the T5K10 alloy in distilled water and lighting kerosene was carried out taking into account factors such as the voltage at the electrodes, the capacity of the discharge capacitors and the pulse repetition rate.
According to the conducted series of experiments, the limiting values of the optimization parameter for the average size of electroerosive particles were determined, which were: for distilled water – 57.1 microns with a capacity of discharge capacitors of 65.5 UF, a voltage at the electrodes of 200 V, a pulse repetition frequency of 200 Hz; for lighting kerosene - 64.1 microns with a capacity of discharge capacitors of 65.5 UF, a voltage at the electrodes of 200 V, a pulse repetition frequency of 200 Hz.
Carrying out the planned measures will solve the problem of recycling waste of tungsten-titanium-cobalt alloys and their reuse in the manufacture of cutting tools.