Process for producing composite agglomerates of molybdenum and molybdenum carbide

摘要

A process is disclosed for producing composite agglomerates of molybdenum and molybdenum carbide (Mo2C). The process involves forming a relatively uniform mixture of non-agglomerated molybdenum powder and carbon powder having a particle size of no greater than the particle size of the molybdenum powder. The amount of carbon powder is proportional to the amount of molybdenum carbide desired in the composite agglomerate. A slurry is formed of the mixture, an organic binder, and water with the amount of the binder being no greater than about 2% by weight of the mixture; and the powders are agglomerated from the slurry. The agglomerated powders are then classified to remove the major portion of the agglomerates having a size greater than about 170 mesh and less than about 325 mesh from the balance of the agglomerates. The balance of the agglomerates in which the particle size is -170 +325 mesh is then reacted at a temperature of no greater than about 1400 DEG C. for a sufficient time in a non-carbonaceous vessel in a reducing atmosphere to form the composite agglomerates.