This Group IV interstitial transition-metal carbide is also a member of ultra high temperature ceramics or (UHTC).

ZrC has a lower density (6.73 g/cm3) compared to other carbides like WC (15.8 g/cm3), TaC (14.5 g/cm3) or HfC (12.67 g/cm3).

The group IVA metal carbides, TiC, ZrC, and SiC are practically inert toward attack by strong aqueous acids (HCl) and strong aqueous bases (NaOH) even at 100' C, however, ZrC does react with HF.

[citation needed] It is also used as an abrasive, in cladding, in cermets, incandescent filaments and cutting tools.

[10] This is achieved by heating a zirconium sponge and parsing halide gas through it.

[citation needed] Another method to improve this is to use another material as a barrier layer such as in TRISO fuel particles.