karbider

Karbider is a fictional class of advanced carbide-based materials depicted in science fiction literature, film, and tabletop games. The term is used to describe ultra-hard, thermally stable substances formed from networks of metal carbides interlaced with carbon allotropes. In most depictions, karbiders combine the abrasion resistance of carbide ceramics with toughness added by carbon-rich matrices, enabling performance at high temperatures and in demanding mechanical environments.

Variants are imagined with different priors and dopants, such as karbider-C for cutting tools, karbider-A for aerospace components, and karbider-X for armor applications. Production is typically described as involving high-energy milling of carbide powders, consolidation through sintering methods such as spark plasma sintering or chemical vapor infiltration, and post-processing to tailor grain size and porosity.

Properties often attributed to karbiders include extremely high hardness, exceptional wear resistance, and high melting points, along with good thermal conductivity. They may also exhibit varying levels of toughness depending on formulation. Potential drawbacks in fictional treatments include high production costs, complexity of manufacturing, and brittleness if flaws are present. Safety notes within stories frequently mention carbide dust hazards and the need for proper handling and containment during processing.

In narrative contexts, karbiders are proposed for demanding roles such as cutting tools, structural components in extreme environments, heat shields, and armored surfaces. See also: carbide, ceramic matrix composites, carbon fiber-reinforced materials, advanced ceramics.