Co and Ni have a catalytic effect on the carbothermic reduction of CaWO4.
Co and Ni catalyze both the two-step reduction of scheelite and the subsequent carburization of tungsten.
Doping with Co or Ni allows the conversion of scheelite into nanostructured WC at temperatures as low as 950 °C.
Adding Co or Ni to CaWO4:C mixtures allows reducing both the milling time and the temperature of the carbothermic reduction.