What Is Cobalt Powder Used For

Cobalt powder is a free-flowing, gray metallic powder produced from the reduction of cobalt oxide, primarily used as a critical binding agent and alloying element in high-performance industrial applications. Its most significant use is in the manufacturing of cemented carbides (hard metals), where it acts as a binder phase to hold tungsten carbide particles together, providing essential toughness and impact resistance. Additionally, cobalt powder is extensively used as a matrix material in diamond tools (for cutting stone and concrete), as a key active material in the cathodes of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, as an additive in high-temperature superalloys for aerospace jet engines, and in the production of high-strength permanent magnets.

Composition And Production Process Of Cobalt Powder

Since it is defined as “gray metal powder with good fluidity”, behind the 3 word “fluidity” is a large amount of process control. The production process of cobalt powder mainly involves the precision reduction of cobalt oxide.

In this chemical process, the manufacturer must strictly control the particle size and purity of the powder.Because of the fluidity and bulk density of the powder, it directly affects its performance as an alloying element in the subsequent industrial manufacturing process. If the particle size distribution (PSD) deviates slightly from the standard, the subsequent sintering quality will be greatly reduced.

Cemented Carbide

In this field, the role of cobalt powder as a binder phase is currently almost irreplaceable.

• Bonding function: tungsten carbide particles themselves are extremely hard, but they are naturally brittle and cannot be used alone. The cobalt powder acts as a metal “glue” during the sintering process, holding the particles firmly together.
• Toughness and impact resistance: Cobalt fills the voids between the carbide grains, giving the finished material the necessary toughness and impact resistance. Without cobalt, those tools made of tungsten carbide would crumble instantaneously under the high stresses of high-speed machining or drilling. Therefore, for cutting tools, drills and mining equipment, cobalt powder is their “skeleton”.

Matrix Material Of Diamond Tools

Along the lines of the binder, cobalt powder is also widely used as a matrix material in diamond tools. This type of tool is typically used for heavy duty tasks such as cutting stone and concrete.

In this application, the cobalt powder forms a metal matrix that physically “grabs” the industrial diamond in place. But this is not just to grasp so simple, here is a very clever technical point: the wear resistance of cobalt powder must be adjusted by the formula, so that its wear rate and the wear rate of diamond perfect match.

This match can ensure that when the diamond becomes dull, the cobalt substrate will wear accordingly, thereby revealing a new and sharp diamond edge and maintaining the cutting efficiency of the tool. At the same time, it must have a very high holding force to prevent those expensive diamond particles from falling off prematurely in heavy construction operations.

Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Positive Electrode

Beyond the field of metallurgy, cobalt powder is also a tough role in modern energy storage. It is the key active material in the positive electrode of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

The chemical stability of cobalt allows batteries to have a higher energy density, which is decisive for the performance of portable electronics and electric vehicles. When processed into a positive electrode material (such as lithium cobaltate), cobalt allows lithium ions to move efficiently during charge-discharge cycles. This application directly ensures that the battery has a longer cycle life and stable thermal performance-in short, it makes your device last longer and is not easy to get out of control.

Additives For High-Temperature High-Temperature Alloys

In the aerospace field, there is no room for compromise in material performance. Cobalt powder is an important additive in high-temperature superalloys, especially for the manufacture of aviation jet engines.

The working temperature of the jet engine is extremely high, and ordinary metals melt or deform directly when they enter. The cobalt-based superalloy or nickel-cobalt alloy uses the characteristics of cobalt powder to significantly enhance the material’s resistance to the following conditions:

• Thermal fatigue: Ability to withstand sharp changes in temperature (this is the norm when aircraft take off and land).
• Creep: Under high temperature and high heat, the ability to withstand mechanical stress for a long time without deformation.
• Oxidation: Prevents corrosion at high altitudes and high temperatures.

Production Of High-Strength Permanent Magnets

Finally, the magnetic properties of cobalt make it ideal for producing high-strength permanent magnets.

When alloyed with other metals (such as Alnico magnet Alnico or Samarium Cobalt magnet SmCo), cobalt powder helps to produce magnets with strong magnetic fields. But more critically, these magnets are resistant to demagnetization even at high temperatures. Throughout my career, where motors, sensors, and various electronic actuators are required to maintain magnetic stability at high temperatures, samarium-cobalt magnets are often the preferred option.

Author：David Miller

With over a decade of experience in powder metallurgy and industrial materials, I specialize in analyzing the applications of metal powders. I’m dedicated to explaining how critical elements like cobalt drive modern manufacturing.