Tungsten, also known as Wolfram, is the chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74.
It is a steel grey metal and has the highest melting point of all the non alloyed metals, and the second highest of all the elements, after Carbon.
Tungsten has high tensile strength and good creep resistance. For instance, at temperatures in excess of 2205 degrees Celsius, Tungsten has twice the tensile strength of the strongest tantalum alloys and is only 10% denser. However, the high density, poor low temperature ductility and strong reactivity in air, limit its usefulness. The maximum service temperature ranges between 1925 and 2480 degree Celsius, but surface protection is then required for use in air at these temperatures.
Tungsten is commonly used in light bulbs, heating elements, rocket engine nozzles, gas tungsten arc welding and in tool wear coatings. Tungsten Carbides also used to make wear resistant abrasives and cutters for drills, saws, milling and turning tools.
In stainless steel, Tungsten interferes with cementite nucleation.
Tungsten is not commonly found in knife steels.
Precautions:
Tungsten can be lethal, resulting in seizures and renal failure.
