PREPARATIONS OF LANTHANUM CARBIDES

Preparations of lanthanum carbide are obtained by the reduction of lanthanum oxide in a graphite-stack funrnace at 900 to 2000 for 1 to 2 hours (La/sub 2/O/sub 3/ + 7C = 2LaC/sub 2/ + 3CO). Lanthanum carbide begins to form at 1700 , however, the most favorable temperature for carbide production is 1850 for 2 hrs. Results of experiments made between 1100 and 1950 C are tabulated. (R.V.J.)