The Science Behind Tungsten Carbide RingsTungsten carbide isn’t pure tungsten—it’s a ceramic-metal composite. Powdered tungsten (W) and carbon (C) are sintered at 2,600°F under 30,000 psi, forming WC crystals harder than steel. Cobalt or nickel binds it (nickel-free for allergies).
Mohs 9 hardness comes from covalent bonds—electrons shared like diamond. Density (15 g/cm³) gives satisfying heft. Thermal conductivity keeps it cool to touch.
Polishing: diamond paste on felt wheels achieves mirror finish. Black rings use titanium nitride PVD—vaporized in vacuum chambers, bonding at molecular level. Scratch it? Coating flakes, base shines through.
Why no resizing? Yield strength exceeds 600 MPa—bending requires forces that shatter it. Fracture toughness improved with nano-grain structures (modern vs. 1990s brittle versions).
Eco angle: tungsten is recyclable; old rings can be re-sintered. Mining in China dominates, but Rwanda’s conflict-free sources gain traction.
Bottom line: your ring is spacecraft-grade material, miniaturized. Science never looked so good.
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