Expandable liner hanger with anchoring feature

An expandable liner hanger features carbide or other hard particles adhered to the outer surface of a tubular mandrel that is expanded using vulcanized rubber to retain the carbide during run in or set. The rubber can be directly applied to the outer surface of the mandrel or to a split ring that is subsequently secured to the outer surface of the mandrel. The rubber can also be mounted in an exterior recess to protect the carbide during running in from being knocked off with impact. A binder can be applied to the carbide or to the rubber for better fixation of the carbide when vulcanizing the rubber. The rubber moves with the expanding mandrel while binding the carbide until contact of the carbide to the surrounding tubular transfers the liner string weight to the surrounding tubular through the carbide.