Structure of Transition Metal Carbides

Abstract

Sy n opsis C,ystal stl'llcture oJ billGlY alld lemary carbides oJ trallsition melals and electronic structure oJ some simple carbides and nitrides are reviewed; the carbide p recipitation Jrom steels is also discussed. Various carbide structures are classified-ill io some groups alld types according 10 Ihe mode oJ metal atom arrangement, and each oJ them is described in detail. Allhough there are mGlry types in tlze carbide structures, 0111]1 three types are observed as for the metal alom arrangement in carbon environment. The bonding nature between metal and carbon atoms is considered to be responsible Jor the oc-curence qf the three types. Tiz e electronic structure is described, especially on NaCI ty/Je carbides and nitrides. A brief description is given for Ilze cr),stallograplzic as/Jecls of tlze carbides /mcipitaled from steels.