What is tungsten oxidation?

Tungsten oxidation is the process by which tungsten reacts with oxygen in the presence of moisture or at elevated temperatures to form an oxide layer on its surface. The tungsten oxide formed is a dark blue to black colored layer that acts as a protective barrier against corrosion and oxidation of the underlying metal. The thickness and composition of the tungsten oxide layer depend on the specific conditions of the oxidation process, including temperature, humidity, and exposure time.

Tungsten oxide is often used in the production of industrial catalysts, such as those used in the petroleum and chemical industries. It also has applications in electronic and optical devices, including gas sensors and electrochromic windows. However, excessive oxidation of tungsten can weaken its mechanical properties and compromise its performance in certain applications. Therefore, careful control of the oxidation process is required to ensure that the optimal oxide layer is formed for a specific application.