Titanium carbide, with chemical formula TiC, crystallizes in the cubic system: NaCl type with space group Fm3m (Z = 4). The lattice constant
is a = 0.4327 nm. Ti atoms occupy the origin positions (0,0,0), however, C atoms are located in (1/2,1/2,1/2) positions. Ti and C atoms are octahedrally coordinated with each other; consequently, Ti6C octahedra share edges. Fig. 1 shows the schematic structure of titanium carbide. As can be seen, Fig.1a illustrates the typical crystal structure of TiC. C atoms occupy the octahedral positions. Thus, if
viewed along the direction perpendicular to the planes, Ti and C atoms form a hexagonal shape, as presented in Fig.1b.
![Figure 1. (a) Crystal structure of TiC, and (b) projection of Ti-C atoms
along direction [2]. The smaller and black atoms are C atoms.](https://broadcarbide.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Figure-1.png)
Titanium carbide particles are effectively used as a reinforcement phase in composites due to its superior mechanical properties, unique
electrical properties, and high temperature strength. Fine grained TiC can improve yield strength of the composites through dispersion and
grain size mechanisms and improve toughness by hindering crack propagation. Table 1 summarizes the electrical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of titanium carbide at room temperature.
