Oxyacetylene torch testing and microstructural characterization of tantalum carbide.

Tantalum carbide samples have been subjected to high-temperature testing at ∼2300°C using an oxyacetylene torch to evaluate their potential for ultra-high temperature applications. While large samples cracked during the rapid heating, indicating their inability to withstand thermal shock, small samples survived the severe test conditions. The oxidation products formed were characterized and found to comprise different phases of Ta2 O5 . The ultra-high temperature experienced by the samples resulted in the formation of many interesting microstructures, including the formation of submicron sized grains, which has not been reported previously in the literature, as well as the expected evidence of melting.