Tungsten Carbide Substitute

[AlexLSU]

We currently use Tungsten Carbide for down hole oil and gas production to prevent erosion damage. We have used Silicon Carbide for extreme cases but is there another substitute? Possibly a coating or less expensive material that has the same wear properties as Tungsten Carbide? -Thanks

 

[sreid]

Cubic Boron Nitride [CBN]?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boron_nitride#Hexagonal_BN

 

[saberblue]

you might want to look at ceramics -- however the reduced material costs might be offset by increased fabrication costs