In the conventional method to produce nanoscaled WC–Co material, tungsten powder is obtained from the reduction of tungsten oxides or ammonium paratungstate (APT) followed by a carburization step to obtain tungsten carbide powder. Generally, the particle size of WC–Co powder is on the micron scale. Recently, solution chemical synthesis methods such as spray conversion process and chemical co-precipitation have received increased attention for the production of nanostructured WC–Co material in order to improve the properties of sintered WC–Co materials.

Tungsten, owing to its high melting point combined with high strength at elevated temperatures, high thermal conductivity and low sputtering yield, is being considered as one of most promising candidates for plasma facing wall material in future fusion reactors.

Tungsten is one of the most highly refractory metals and is well applied in lamp filaments, heating elements in high temperature furnaces, electronic heaters, X-ray emission tubes, TIG welding electrodes etc. The widely applications of tungsten result from its thermal resistance to high temperature, high hardness, and high wear resistance.

It is known that preparation of tungsten carbide mainly consists of the following steps. Ammonium paratungstate (APT) is produced from ammonium tungstate solution through evaporation and crystallization, and then tungsten trioxide is produced by calcining APT, finally, tungsten carbide is prepared by hydrogen reduction and followed carbonization. Studies have showed a smaller particle size and uniform distribution of APT has a positive effect on the physical properties of tungsten carbide such as hardness, heat resistance, and wear resistance.