Aluminium carbide

Aluminium carbide has an unusual crystal structure that consists of alternating layers of Al2C and Al2C2.

[5] Similar reactions occur with other protic reagents:[1] Reactive hot isostatic pressing (hipping) at ≈40 MPa of the appropriate mixtures of Ti, Al4C3 graphite, for 15 hours at 1300 °C yields predominantly single-phase samples of Ti2AlC0.5N0.5, 30 hours at 1300 °C yields predominantly single-phase samples of Ti2AlC (Titanium aluminium carbide).

[3] An alternative reaction begins with alumina, but it is less favorable because of generation of carbon monoxide.

[9] An aluminium-aluminium carbide composite material can be made by mechanical alloying, by mixing aluminium powder with graphite particles.

[citation needed] Aluminium carbide particles finely dispersed in aluminium matrix lower the tendency of the material to creep, especially in combination with silicon carbide particles.

Unit cell ball and stick model of aluminium carbide
Unit cell ball and stick model of aluminium carbide
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuel Instability 2: Undergoes violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures, reacts violently with water, or may form explosive mixtures with water. E.g. white phosphorus Special hazard W: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner. E.g. sodium, sulfuric acid