Development of Manufacturing Technology for Direct Recycling Cemented Carbide (WC-Co) Tool Scraps

The objective of this research was to develop a sustainable industry manufacturing method for direct recycling cemented carbide tool scraps combining a hydrothermal and electrolysis process (CHEP). The research methodology was performed by studying the current recycling carbide tools, scrap industry and associated recycling technologies. A tungsten carbides (WC) recycling technology was designed by using an electrochemical cell comprising of a titanium cathode, titanium anode and hydrochloric acid (HCl) electrolyte under controlled temperature. Finally, the speed of binder phase removal, key process variables, WC leached and recovered WC purity rates were examined and identified. The results of this research indicated that this recycling process was effective in recycling cemented carbide from industrial cutting tools scraps. This technology can be used to purify the recovered WC rate to near virgin material, resulting in a more environmentally friendly process and reducing natural tungsten material usage.