Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Compositions in the Tantalum-Carbon System

Abstract

Electrical and magnetic properties have been measured in the tantalum-carbon system from Ta2C to TaC1.0. A large variation of these properties has been found within the wide homogeneity range of TaC: the resistivity increases with carbon deficiency from 25 to about 150 μΩ. cm, and the magnetic susceptibility changes its sign, the material being paramagnetic at stoichiometry and diamagnetic at the low-carbon phase boundary. The temperature coefficient of the resistivity has also been found to be characteristic for each composition and to depend strongly on the Ta:C ratio. A method for preparation of homogeneous samples of a predetermined carbon content has been developed. The experimental results are discussed in the light of previous theories.