Aluminum carbide, Al4C3, is a complex crystal compound of alternating layers of aluminum and carbon. Each aluminum atom is coordinated to 4 carbon atoms. The alternating tetrahedra of aluminum and carbon atoms form an unusual crystal structure that is stable at temperatures up to 1400 degC.
Metals that form carbides exhibit several unique properties in addition to their toughness. They often possess high refractoriness and low thermal expansion, and are generally highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. These characteristics make them ideal for coatings used on tools, drills and other industrial materials.
Some of the most common carbide compounds of aluminum include aluminum fluoride (AlF3), sodium aluminate (NaAlH4) and lithium aluminate (LiAlH4). Lithium aluminate is widely used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis and as a stabilizer in electrolytic aluminum production.
It can be produced by reacting the alumina with a halogen. It is inert, subliming without melting at 1291 degC and exhibits a bridge-like structure with good properties for molecular compounds.
Other carbides can be formed by combining aluminum with other elements, such as magnesium, silicon, copper and manganese. The aluminum ions bind to the carbon atoms of other metals, resulting in alloys that are hard, refractory and have low thermal expansion.
Various zeolite materials are being produced using aluminum dross as a raw material. These zeolite materials have been used in applications such as waste treatment, filtration and separation. Some of these materials also have applications in solar cells, biomedical devices and fuel cells.