Chemical Properties
dark gray brittle solid; cub, a=0.46983 nm; it is not a fixed stoichiometric compound; hard, high melting carbide used in UC-fueled reactors; enthalpy of fusion 79.4kJ/mol; hardness 8+ Mohs; used as a hot pressed crucible to melt metals such as bismuth, cadmium, lead, tin and high melting point oxides such as ZrO2, and as a 99.5% pure sputtering target to produce wear-resistant and other films [KIR84] [HAW93] [CER91] [JAN71]
Physical properties
Gray metallic solid; cubic structure; very hard, hardness > 8.0 Mohs; density 6.73 g/cm3; melts at 3,532°C; insoluble in water; slightly soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid; soluble in hydrofluoric acid and oxidizing acids, such as nitric and perchloric acids; attacked by oxidizers.
Uses
Zirconium carbide is a refractory material. It is used in making incandescent filaments, high temperature electrical conductors, and cutting tool components.
Preparation
Zirconium carbide is prepared by heating a mixture of zirconium oxide and coke in an arc furnace.
