Chromium carbide

Chromium carbide is a ceramic compound that exists in several different chemical compositions: Cr₃C₂, Cr₇C₃,and Cr₂₃C₆. At standard conditions it exists as a gray solid. It is extremely hard and corrosion resistant. It is also a refractory compound, which means that it retains its strength at high temperatures as well. These properties make it useful as an additive to metal alloys. When chromium carbide crystals are integrated into the surface of a metal it improves the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the metal, and maintains these properties at elevated temperatures. The hardest and most commonly used composition for this purpose is Cr₃C₂.