Tantalum carbide
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Tantalum carbide | |
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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.