The valence electron structure of TiC was calculated by using the empirical electron theory of solids and molecules. The calculated results show that with the increase of temperature the number of common electrons of TiC increases, which indicates that TiC has a good thermal stability; and there exists a close relationship between hardness and brittleness of TiC. According to the number of lattice electrons, the differences among the crystals with different structures can be explained qualitatively. Using the 'bond-strengthening factor', the differences of hardness among the crystals with different structures can also be qualitatively explained to some extent.
The valence electron structure of TIC was calculated by using the empirical electron theory of solids and molecules. The calculated results show that with the increase of temperature the number of common electrons of TIC Increases, which indicates that TIC has a good thermal stability; and there exists a close relationship between hardness and brittleness of TIC. According to the number of lattice electrons, the differences among the crystals with different structures can be explained qualitatively. Using the 'bond-strengthening factor', the differences of hardness among the crystals with different structures can also be qualitatively explained to some extent.