Cobalt powder is a finely divided metallic form of cobalt engineered for powder metallurgy, battery materials, superalloy production, hardfacing, magnetic applications, and additive manufacturing. Its value lies in surface activity, sinterability, alloying efficiency, and high-temperature performance rather than bulk structural strength.
What Is Cobalt Powder?
Cobalt powder consists of metallic cobalt particles with controlled particle size, morphology, surface area, and oxygen content. It is a critical precursor material for superalloys, cemented carbides, battery cathodes, and magnetic materials.
Chemical Composition (Typical)
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Cobalt (Co) | ≥ 99.0 – 99.99% |
| Oxygen (O) | 0.1 – 0.8% |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Sulfur (S) | Trace |
Key Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Grey to black powder |
| Theoretical Density | 8.9 g/cm³ |
| Apparent Density | 1.5 – 4.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1495 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 70 – 100 W/m·K |
| Magnetic Behavior | Ferromagnetic |
| Surface Area | 0.5 – 10 m²/g |
Mechanical Properties (Sintered State)
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 400 – 900 MPa |
| Hardness | 120 – 300 HV |
| Elongation | 10 – 25% |
| Fatigue Resistance | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | High |
Strengthening & Metallurgical Behavior
HCP structure at room temperature transforming to FCC above ~417 °C.
Grain refinement during sintering.
Solid-solution strengthening with alloying elements.
Excellent carbide wetting in WC–Co systems.
Sensitive to oxygen contamination.
Production & Processing
Hydrogen reduction
Electrolytic deposition
Carbonyl decomposition
Gas or water atomization
Vacuum or inert-atmosphere sintering
Hot isostatic pressing (HIP)
Available Forms
Fine powders (< 1 µm)
Medium powders (1 – 10 µm)
Coarse powders (10 – 100 µm)
Spherical AM-grade powders
Dendritic PM-grade powders
Pre-alloyed and agglomerated powders
Applications
Powder Metallurgy
Cobalt-based superalloys
Structural PM components
Cemented Carbides
Binder phase for WC–Co cutting tools
Additive Manufacturing
Laser powder bed fusion
Directed energy deposition
Energy & Magnetics
Battery cathode precursors
Permanent and soft magnetic components
Surface Engineering
Thermal spray coatings
Laser cladding and hardfacing
Advantages
✔ High purity and consistency
✔ Excellent sintering behavior
✔ Superior high-temperature stability
✔ Strong carbide bonding capability
✔ Magnetic functionality
✔ Versatile processing routes
Limitations & Safety
❌ Dust inhalation hazard
❌ Combustible in fine powder form
❌ Oxidation risk during handling
❌ Requires controlled atmosphere storage
❌ Higher material cost
Why Choose Cobalt Powder?
Choose cobalt powder for high-temperature, wear-resistant, magnetic, and energy-storage applications where precise alloy chemistry, sinterability, and performance under extreme conditions are essential.