Some important characteristics of silicon carbide

Silicon carbide or SiC is of increasing importance in the industrial sector. Since they are largely used as abrasives, it has become very important to select the proper grade of compound. These will help to obtain a higher productivity of the compound.

Know about silicon carbide

Most people know silicon carbide as carborundum. Clearly, the name of the compound suggests its composition. The compound is formed by the reaction of silicon and carbon in a certain proposition in a suitable environment. This is a rarely found mineral. The mineral is called moissanite. When sand and carbon are exposed to an electrochemical reaction under high temperature conditions, moissanite is formed.

Physical characteristics of Sic

The compound is crystalline in nature. It does not have any color in pure form. There may be some with brown to black color. This is due to the presence of iron in it.

Sic Properties

• The pure form of silicon carbide is a semiconductor. However, to gain metallic conductivity, it has to be heavily doped with nitrogen, aluminum, or boron.

• The compound has a low density but has a higher resistance.

• Does not melt easily as it has a high melting point.

• It suffers low thermal expansion if exposed to extreme temperature conditions. It also has high thermal conductivity.

• A ceramic made of silicon carbide is very hard. Presents resistance to thermal shock.

• The compound does not mix easily with other chemicals. This is because it has a higher chemical inertness.

• It is resistant to corrosion.

What is commercial grade silicon carbide?

There are mainly three types of commercial grade SiC. These are nitride bonded, sintered and reaction bonded. They are high performance in their application. Technical grade compounds have good mechanical properties. That is why they are widely used in the industrial areas. Engineers are doing everything they can to make further progress with these compounds.

sic applications

Being a hard material, it is used for grinding, sandblasting, waterjet cutting machines and burnishing. The smallest particles are used to make sandpaper. They are also used to make bulletproof vests. In high-temperature furnaces, they are used as shelves and support materials. They are also used in electrical systems. Like automobiles, they have the ability to withstand high temperature and pressure conditions.

Apart from these, they are used as jewelry, astronomy, steel production, etc. For more details, you can check on the internet.