History
Wolfram was known back in the 17 th century, consisting of minerals wolframite and sheelit. Elemental tungsten was received in the late 18th century. He soon became the alloying metal for steel. High vanadium steel were shown in 1900 at the World Exhibition in Paris. The tungsten filament began to apply in the early 20 th century in light bulbs.
Nowadays
Tungsten is widely used for alloying, that is why so much of this metal goes in metallurgy. For example, addings tungsten to chromium, molybdenum, niobium and tantalite makes them hardner and acid-proof. Alloys of iron, nickel and cobalt more complex. Here, depending on the ratio of components formed solid solutions or intermetallic compounds. Containing tungstein steels become resistant to abrasion, prevent cracking, remain firm until the temperature of the red-hot. Tungsten steel is used for the manufacture of tank armor, shells round, missiles, etc. Even pearch paint can be maid from tungstein. It comprises a tungsten oxide.
