Application
Hafnium(IV) carbide serves a vital role in a range of high-temperature applications due to its status as one of the most refractory binary compounds known, possessing a melting point of approximately 3900°C. This chemical compound, formed from the reaction of hafnium and carbon, is produced by reducing hafnium oxide with carbon at high temperatures between 1800 to 2000°C, necessitating extended processing to eliminate oxygen. Because of its exceptional heat resistance, hafnium carbide is ideal for crafting components subjected to extreme temperatures like rocket nozzles and scramjet components. Furthermore, it is utilized in creating hard coatings through processes such as plasma spraying, offering durability in harsh environments. The material's properties also allow it to be fabricated into structural foams for high-temperature components and thermal insulation. Additionally, in the nuclear industry, it's a sought-after material for control rods due to its high thermal neutron absorption cross-section. Hafnium carbide finds further application in ceramic industries, in forming ultra-high-temperature ceramics, and in producing hafnium-containing organometallic polymers, as well as being an additive in various alloys and coatings.