Aluminum carbide is a type of chemical derivative of aluminum. The chemical formula of aluminium carbide is Al4C3. It can be produced by a process known as electrochemical refining.
It is a brittle and refractory substance, which can be used for corrosion protection. Aluminium carbide is also used as an abrasive in high-speed cutting tools.
Carbide compounds are formed from an anion of a carbon atom or multiple atoms. They are refractory and extremely hard. Other compounds have complex structures.
There are two kinds of carbide compounds: acetylides and ionic carbides. They can be synthesized directly from hydrogen or alkenes, or indirectly by reacting aluminum with corresponding alkali metal fluorides.
Aluminum carbide is a pale yellow to brown crystal. It has a hexagonal crystal structure. It decomposes in water, producing methane. This substance has low thermal expansion and is stable up to about 1400 degC.
It is resistant to corrosion in air and in dry environments. However, at sufficiently high temperatures, the carbon fibers may disintegrate.
Aluminum carbide is produced by heating a mixture of elements to a temperature of over 1000 degC. After a certain period of time, the residue is recycled to an arc furnace.
Aluminum dross is typically composed of calcite. White dross can be a useful raw material for hydrogen production. In addition, it can be exploited to perform an aluminum-water reaction.
Aluminum dross can be further used to produce high-pressure concrete bricks. These bricks can be mixed with other raw materials to make concrete blocks.