Tungsten carbide is a compound composed of tungsten and carbon, with a molecular formula of WC and a molecular weight of 195.85. It is a black hexagonal crystal with metallic luster and hardness similar to that of diamond.
It is a good conductor of electricity and heat. Tungsten carbide is insoluble in water, hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, but easily soluble in a mixed acid of nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid. Pure tungsten carbide is fragile, and if a small amount of titanium, cobalt and other metals are added, the brittleness can be reduced.
Tungsten carbide used as a steel cutting tool is often added with titanium carbide, tantalum carbide or their mixture to improve the anti-knock ability. Tungsten carbide is chemically stable. Tungsten carbide powder is used in cemented carbide production materials.
