Crystallizing in the rock-salt (face-centered cubic) lattice with an elastic modulus near 400 GPa, TiC occurs in nature only as the rare mineral khamrabaevite, discovered in 1984.
Tungsten-free cermet cutting inserts bind TiC particles in a nickel-cobalt matrix for high-speed finishing of steel, and 6–30% TiC is alloyed into WC-Co to boost crater and oxidation resistance.
TiC nanoparticles added to 7075 aluminum welding rods prevent hot-cracking during solidification, and refractory TiC coatings protect spacecraft atmospheric-reentry heat shields.