It is a black hexagonal crystal with a metallic luster and a hardness similar to 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 adding a small amount of metals such as titanium and cobalt can reduce brittleness.
Tungsten carbide, used as a cutting tool for steel, is often added with titanium carbide, tantalum carbide or their mixtures to improve its blast resistance.
The chemical properties of tungsten carbide are stable. Tungsten carbide powder is applied in the production of hard alloy materials.
Tungsten carbide begins active oxidation in air above 500 ℃, with weak antioxidant capacity. Strong acid resistance.
Chemical reaction formula: W+C=WC ( Note: React at 1150 ℃.)
Not reacting with chlorine below 400 ℃; Can react violently with fluorine at room temperature; When heated in the air, it is oxidized to tungsten oxide.