Then and Now – The Periodic Table Element – Tungsten

The Evolution of Tungsten: From Early Uses to Modern Alternatives

Tungsten, known for its remarkable strength and high melting point, has played a significant role in many industries. This transition metal was first discovered and used in the late 18th century for various applications. However, as the years went by and new materials with improved properties were introduced, tungsten gradually lost its prominence in some areas. This article delves into the early uses of tungsten and the reasons why it is no longer extensively employed for those purposes.

Early Uses of Tungsten:
The first notable use of tungsten was in the production of incandescent light bulb filaments by Thomas Edison. Introduced in the early 1900s, this application revolutionized the lighting industry, providing a longer-lasting and more efficient alternative to traditional carbon filaments. Tungsten’s exceptional durability and resistance to high temperatures made it a perfect fit for this purpose.

Furthermore, tungsten carbide, a compound of tungsten and carbon, gained widespread popularity as a cutting tool material. Due to its incredible hardness and resistance to wear, tungsten carbide became a staple in various industries such as mining, machining, and metalworking. The robust and long-lasting nature of tungsten carbide made it a preferred choice for tools that required superior performance and precision.

Wolfie The Tungsten (Wolfram) Horned Unicorn from the Magical Elements of the Periodic Table

Why Tungsten is No Longer Widely Used:

Shift to Energy-Efficient Lighting:
While tungsten was widely used for incandescent bulbs in the past, advancements in technology led to the phasing out of these traditional bulbs in favor of more energy-efficient alternatives such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). CFLs and LEDs consume significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan, rendering tungsten-based filaments obsolete in the lighting industry.
Environmental Concerns:
Unfortunately, tungsten mining often involves practices that can harm the environment and local ecosystems. Mining tungsten can lead to the release of chemicals and metals into the surrounding soil and water, causing ecological imbalances. As society becomes increasingly aware of environmental issues and seeks sustainable alternatives, the demand for tungsten has decreased.
Superior Material Substitutes:
Tungsten carbide, while incredibly durable, can be brittle and prone to chipping or fracturing under certain conditions. As a result, engineers and scientists have explored alternatives that possess similar or better properties. Hardened steels, ceramics, and various composite materials have emerged as contenders, offering improved performance but with more flexibility and resistance to breakage compared to tungsten carbide.

The first applications of tungsten, particularly in lighting and as cutting tools, revolutionized their respective industries. However, the evolving demands for energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and superior materials have diminished the prominence of tungsten in certain areas. Despite being supplanted by newer alternatives, tungsten still finds use in specialized applications such as aerospace components, electrical contacts, and radiation shielding. As industries continue to innovate and strive for improved efficiency, it remains important to explore materials that possess the optimal balance of properties, including reliability, sustainability, and performance.

This article is brought to you by Sybrina Durant, the author of the middle grade picture book, Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Metal Horn Unicorns. Learn More. In that book Tungsten (Wolfram) is presented by the unicorn, Wolfie. Read Wolfie’s Story.