Tantalum carbide

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Tantalum carbide
Image:Tantalum carbide.jpg
General
Other names tantalum (IV) carbide
Molecular formula TaC
Molar mass 192.959 g/mol
Appearance black-gray odorless powder
CAS number [12070-06-3]
Properties
Density and phase 1.39 g/cm3, solid
Solubility in water insoluble
Melting point 3880°C
Boiling point 5500°C
Hazards
EU classification not listed
NFPA 704
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Tantalum carbide (TaC) is an extremely hard refractory ceramic material, commercially used in tool bits for cutting tools. It is a heavy, brown powder usually processed by sintering, and an important cermet material. It is sometimes used as a fine-crystalline additive to tungsten carbide alloys.

When used as a mould coating, it produces a low friction surface.

Tantalum carbide-graphite composite material, developed in Los Alamos National Laboratory, is one of the hardest materials ever synthesized.

Substances to avoid are: flammable gases.

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