Tungsten carbide

Tungsten carbide, WC or W2C, is a chemical compound containing tungsten and carbon, similar to titanium carbide. Its extreme hardness makes it useful in the manufacture of cutting tools, abrasives and bearings, as a cheaper alternative to diamond. Tungsten carbide is also used in wedding rings.

Related Topics:
Tungsten - Carbon - Titanium carbide - Hardness - Cutting - Tools - Abrasive - Bearing - Diamond - Wedding ring

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In a tragic 1945 accident, Harry K. Daghlian, Jr. dropped a brick of tungsten carbide (which is a neutron reflector) onto a plutonium core, causing it to reach critical mass. He died a month later, of radiation exposure.

Related Topics:
1945 - Harry K. Daghlian, Jr. - Neutron - Reflector - Plutonium - Critical mass

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