ALUMINIUM CARBIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Aluminium carbide is a chemical compound composed of aluminium and carbon, with the chemical formula Al4C3. It is a hard, brittle, and dark grey to black solid. Aluminium carbide is classified as a carbide due to its strong affinity for carbon.
The compound is typically formed through the reaction between aluminium and carbon at high temperatures, usually around 2000°C. It can also be synthesized by the reaction of aluminium chloride with calcium carbide. Aluminium carbide has a unique crystal structure, with each aluminium atom surrounded by four carbon atoms and each carbon atom bonded to four aluminium atoms.
Aluminium carbide is primarily used for its properties in research and industrial applications. It is known for its high electrical conductivity and resistance to extreme temperatures. It also exhibits good thermal stability and is often included in ceramic and metal matrix composites to enhance their properties.
In addition, aluminium carbide can react with water or acids, releasing toxic or flammable gases such as methane and hydrogen. Therefore, it needs to be handled with caution and stored in appropriate containers to avoid accidental reactions.
Overall, aluminium carbide is a valuable compound with various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of materials science, electronic components, and advanced composites.
Etymology of ALUMINIUM CARBIDE
The etymology of the word "aluminium carbide" can be explained as follows:
"Aluminium" is derived from the Latin word "alumen", which means "alum" or "bitter salt". The word "aluminum" was originally proposed by Sir Humphry Davy in 1808, and it was based on the name "alumina", which refers to aluminum oxide.
"Carbide" comes from the Latin word "carbo", which means "charcoal". It is a compound suffix indicating a binary compound of carbon with another element or elements. In chemistry, a carbide is a compound composed of carbon and a less electronegative element.
Therefore, "aluminium carbide" refers to a binary compound composed of aluminium and carbon.
