Metallkarbid

Metallkarbid is a chemical compound consisting of a metal and carbon atoms. These compounds are typically formed at high temperatures and possess a very high melting point, making them suitable for applications requiring extreme heat resistance. The properties of metallkarbids vary significantly depending on the specific metal involved. For example, tungsten carbide (WC) is known for its exceptional hardness and wear resistance, often used in cutting tools and abrasives. Titanium carbide (TiC) also exhibits high hardness and is used in wear-resistant coatings and high-temperature applications. Other metallkarbids, like silicon carbide (SiC), though technically a metalloid carbide, share many of these characteristics and are used in similar fields, including ceramics and semiconductors. The crystal structure of metallkarbids can range from simple cubic to more complex arrangements, influencing their mechanical and chemical properties. Their formation often involves reacting a metal oxide or metal with carbon at elevated temperatures, a process known as carbothermal reduction. Due to their extreme hardness, metallkarbids are generally difficult to machine and are often processed using powder metallurgy techniques.