Technical Specifications:
- Material: Tantalum Carbide (TaC)
- Purity: 99.9% or higher
- Particle Size: 3 µm (microns)
- Shape: Typically irregular or angular, depending on the manufacturing process
- Density: Approximately 14.5 g/cm³
- Melting Point: Approximately 3,880°C (7,004°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at approximately 4,000°C (7,232°F)
Chemical Composition:
- Tantalum (Ta): ~85%
- Carbon (C): ~15%
Applications:
1. Hard Coatings and Tooling:
- Tantalum Carbide (3 µm) powder is widely used for hard coatings and tooling applications due to its extreme hardness, which is comparable to that of diamond. It is used in cutting tools, drilling bits, and abrasive tools for industries like metalworking, mining, and machining.
- The small particle size makes it particularly useful for thin coatings that improve the wear resistance of tools and components exposed to extreme wear and abrasion.
2. Aerospace Components:
- TaC is used in aerospace applications where high-temperature resistance and thermal stability are critical. Its high melting point makes it suitable for use in turbine blades, nose cones, and re-entry vehicle components, which experience extreme thermal and mechanical stresses during flight.
- TaC’s durability and resistance to thermal shock and oxidation make it an ideal material for aerospace systems exposed to high-speed, high-temperature environments.
3. Refractory Applications:
- Due to its exceptional thermal stability and resistance to oxidation, TaC is often used in refractory materials. The 3 µm powder is used to produce coatings and components that can withstand extremely high temperatures, such as those found in furnace linings, kilns, and nozzles.
- It is also used in high-temperature processing environments like those in the chemical, glass, and ceramic industries.
4. Electronic Components:
- Tantalum Carbide is used in electronic components that require high conductivity and stability under extreme conditions. This includes applications in high-performance capacitors, resistors, and semiconductors, where its ability to withstand high voltage and temperatures is crucial.
- The 3 µm powder size enables the creation of thin films and coatings, which are used in microelectronics and advanced semiconductor devices.
5. Armor and Defense Applications:
- Due to its extreme hardness and high melting point, TaC is used in the production of armor-piercing components and ballistic materials. Its ability to withstand high impact and wear makes it an effective material for armor-piercing ammunition and protective armor.
- It is also used in military defense applications where wear resistance and strength under extreme conditions are crucial.
6. Nuclear Applications:
- TaC’s radiation resistance and thermal stability make it ideal for use in nuclear reactors. It is used in fuel cladding and control rods in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and other nuclear systems.
- Its ability to maintain structural integrity under high levels of radiation and thermal stress makes it a valuable material in nuclear energy applications.
7. Superhard Materials and Abrasives:
- Due to its extreme hardness, TaC is used to make superhard materials and abrasives for cutting, grinding, and polishing. It is commonly used in the manufacture of abrasive wheels, grinding wheels, and polishing compounds that require high durability in harsh conditions.
- The fine 3 µm powder ensures a uniform dispersion, making it useful for applications requiring fine grinding and precision polishing.
8. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing):
- Tantalum Carbide powder is increasingly used in additive manufacturing (3D printing), where its high melting point and hardness make it suitable for creating high-performance components in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.
- The 3 µm particle size allows for finer resolution and the creation of detailed structures that can withstand high stress and high temperatures.
9. Research and Development:
- TaC is used in research and development for exploring new materials and applications, particularly in nanotechnology, semiconductor technologies, and high-performance materials. Its unique combination of hardness and thermal stability makes it a valuable material for experimental studies in advanced materials science.
- It is also used in the development of next-generation technologies for industries that demand high-performance materials under extreme conditions, such as energy and electronics.
Summary:
Tantalum Carbide Micron Powder (TaC, 99.9%, 3 µm) is a high-performance material known for its extreme hardness, thermal stability, and resistance to oxidation. Its fine particle size makes it ideal for abrasive applications, superhard materials, wear-resistant coatings, and refractory materials. Additionally, it plays a critical role in aerospace components, nuclear applications, electronic devices, and military defense. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and extreme mechanical stresses makes it indispensable in industries that require reliable performance under harsh conditions.
