Complexity of Bonding System

The structural characteristics and properties of interstitial carbides are generally different fi om those one might expect from a simple solution of carbon atoms in the interstices of the transition metal, reflecting an obvious change in the atomic bonding.l l Some of the major differences between the host metal and the carbide are as follows  

These differences indicate that interstitial carbides are held together by considerably stronger bonds than the purely metallic bonds of the parent metals. Indeed, it would be unreasonable not to expect metal-carbon bonding to contribute to the strength and stability of the structure. 

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For example, approximately 80% of the F lll is adhesive bonded sandwich. In Boeing 747, there are 3,600 ft of bonded honeycomb, 9,960 ft of bonded metal-to-metal and 12,000 ft of bonded fiberglass reinforced thermoplastics. The complexity of bonding systems are multiplied in space-craft, e.g. Mariner venus/mercury system . 

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