SOLID CARBIDE TOOL WASTE RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY

: с arbide materials are widely used in various industries. However, due to the limited world reserves of tungsten and cobalt, as well as the accumulation of hard-to-process waste of solid carbide materials, the question arises about alternative sources of raw materials. So a large amount of waste is generated by the manufacturing industry. The main methods of processing require a significant consumption of reagents and energy, are distinguished by the toxicity and aggressiveness of working media, and a variety of special equipment. Electrochemical methods make it possible to significantly simplify the technological scheme and hardware design of the process, reduce the duration of recycling waste and improve environmental performance. The paper presents a technique for the disposal of carbide tools by the electrochemical method. Comparison of the compositions of electrolytes and current sources is carried out. Under comparable conditions, the highest current efficiency during oxidation of WC/Co alloys is achieved in nitric acid electrolytes. However, when using nitric and hydrochloric acids, harmful substances are released during electrolysis. Further experiments were carried out using sulfuric acid. The optimal reducing agent has been determined - hexamethylenetetramine. Powders of anode sludge were obtained, which were investigated by thermal analysis and energy dispersive methods. The chemical composition of the sludge has been established, which is defined as 20% oxide and 80% tungsten carbide.