Tantalum carbide

Chemical properties

Hard, heavy, refractory, crystalline solid. Hardness 1800 kg/sq mm, resistivity 30 μΩ?cm (room temperature). Extremely resistant to chemical action except at elevated temperature.

Physical properties

Golden brown crystals, soluble in HF-HNO mixture. Crucible 3 container for melting ZrO and similar oxides with high melting point. Corrosion resistant to molten metals such as Ta and Re. Readily corroded by liquid metals such as Nb, Mo, and Sn. Burning occurs in pure oxygen above 800°C. Severe oxidation in air above 1100–1400°C. Maximum operating temperature of 3760°C in helium

The Uses of Tantalum carbide

A mixture of tantalum carbide (TaC) and graphite is a very hard material and is used to form the cutting edge of machine tools.

The Uses of Tantalum carbide

Cutting tools and dies, cemented carbide tools.

The Uses of Tantalum carbide

Tantalum monocarbide, TaC, is a gold-colored powder produced industrially by direct reaction of carbon with either tantalum scrap or tantalum pentoxide at temperatures up to 1,900 °C (3,452 °F). It is added in small amounts (0.2–2 wt %) in the form of TaC or mixed carbides like TaNbC and WTiTaC to tungsten carbide–cobalt-based cutting tools in order to reduce grain growth. Adding 2–15 wt % TaC to cemented carbides considerably increases their thermal shock resistance and their resistance to cratering and oxidation. The tantalum–carbon phase diagram shows the existence of several subcarbides.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Industrial uses

Tantalum carbide and tungsten carbide combinedin a matrix of nickel, cobalt, and/or chromiumprovide an RHM formulation especiallysuited for a combination of corrosion and wearresistance. Some grades are almost as corrosionresistant as platinum. Nozzles, orifice plates,and valve components are typical uses.