Possibility of producing the Ta-W and Ta-Nb-W alloys by electrolysis of oxyfluoride melts

Conditions have been determined for combined electric reduction of Ta with W through electrolysis of melts KCl-KF-K2TaF7-(Ta2O5+WO3) and of Nb with W through electrolysis of melts KCl-KF-K2TaF7-(Nb2O5+WO3). The composition of the cathodic deposit in terms of Ta to W or of Nb to W ratio corresponds to that in the original mixture of the oxides. It has been found that at the selected conditions of electrolysis (Dk=0.3 to 0.5, Da=1.1 to 1.3 A/cm2, 730 deg C) a mixture of metallic powders of tantalum with tungsten or of niobium with tungsten is deposited at the cathode