of technical calcium carbide. In electrolytic manufacturing of aluminum, aluminum carbide forms as a corrosion product of the graphite electrodes. In metal matrix composites based on aluminum matrix reinforced with non-metal carbides (silicon carbide, boron carbide, etc.) or carbon fibres, aluminum carbide often forms as an unwanted product. In case of carbon fibre, it reacts with the aluminum matrix at temperatures above 500 °C; better wetting of the fibre and inhibition of chemical reaction can be achieved by coating it with e.g. titanium boride. Applications Aluminum carbide particles finely dispersed in aluminum matrix lower the tendency of the material to creep, especially in combination with silicon carbide particles. Aluminum carbide can be used as an abrasive in high-speed cutting tools. It has approximately the same hardness as topaz. See also List of compounds with carbon number 1 References Carbides Aluminium compounds