Chromium Carbide

Chromium carbide (Cr3C2) is a hard, wear-resistant ceramic material used primarily in applications requiring high-temperature stability and corrosion resistance. Here are the key parameters defining its properties:

  1. Chemical Formula: Cr3C2
  2. Molecular Weight: Approximately 180.01 g/mol
  3. Appearance: Chromium carbide is a gray to black, crystalline powder.
  4. Density: Around 6.68 g/cm³, making it heavier than most steels.
  5. Melting Point: Its melting point is approximately 2330°C (4226°F), which is exceptionally high, enabling its use in extreme environments.
  6. Thermal Conductivity: Chromium carbide has good thermal conductivity, facilitating heat dissipation in high-temperature applications.
  7. Hardness: It exhibits a high Vickers hardness, typically around 1300 Hv, which is significantly harder than most tool steels.
  8. Chemical Stability: Resistant to corrosion from many acids, alkalis, and salt solutions, and stable under oxidizing conditions up to very high temperatures.
  9. Oxidation Resistance: Forms a protective chromium oxide (Cr2O3) layer at high temperatures, enhancing its resistance to further oxidation.
  10. Wear Resistance: Due to its hardness and chemical stability, chromium carbide is highly resistant to abrasive and corrosive wear.
  11. Fracture Toughness: Although hard, chromium carbide can be brittle. Fracture toughness is an important consideration in applications where impact resistance is necessary.
  12. Thermal Expansion Coefficient: Has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion, which is beneficial for thermal shock resistance and compatibility with certain substrates.
  13. Manufacturing Process: Commonly synthesized through powder metallurgy techniques, involving mixing chromium and carbon powders followed by heating in a controlled atmosphere to promote the formation of Cr3C2.
  14. Applications: Widely used in wear-resistant coatings, hard-facing materials, cutting tools, and as an additive in cermets and high-temperature alloys.

  15. Microstructure: The microstructure can be influenced by processing parameters, affecting properties such as hardness and toughness. Grain size control is crucial for optimizing performance in specific applications.

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