Silicon Carbide, is used due to its properties of high hardness (Mohs hardness > 9), wear resistance, its chemical inertness, high thermal conductivity, abrasion resistance, low coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal shock resistance, and strength at high temperature ranges. Silicon Carbide also has the resistivity necessary to perform as a semiconductor material. Because of these properties, Silicon Carbide is used in a wide range of applications and industries. Silicon Carbide is produced by heating silica sand and a carbon source, typically petroleum coke, to high temperatures in a large, open “Acheson” furnace. The result of this high temperature process is the crystalline formation of Silicon Carbide grains, of both Green and Black coloring. The color difference is due to the purity of the silicon carbide. Green SiC coloring is a result of less impurities than the Black SiC. Metallurgical Supplies offers both Macro and Micro grit sizing. Our Silicon Carbide is offered in standard FEPA sizes, custom particle sizes, custom densities, and custom chemistries.
Black Silicon Carbide (SiC) Properties
- High Hardness
- Chemical Inertness
- High Thermal Conductivity
- Abrasion / Wear Resistance
- Abrasive
- Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
- Thermal Shock Resistance
- Strength at High Temperature Ranges
- Electrical Conductivity
Black Silicon Carbide (SiC) Application's
- Abrasives
- Sintered Parts
- Hot-Pressed Parts
- Reaction Bonded Parts
- Metal Matrix Composites
- Wire-saw
- Body Armor
- Vehicle Armor
- Heat Transfer / Thermal Management
- High Temp Sensors
- Ceramic Wear Parts
- Refractory
- Grinding
- Milling
- Lapping
Typical Silicon Carbide (SiC) Properties Sic is an artificial (man-made) mineral known for its very high hardness and abrasion resistance. Common applications include pump seals, valve components, and wear-intensive applications such as rollers and paper industry retainers.
Properties | Units | Test | Value |
Physical | |||
Chemical Formula | - | - | a-SiC |
Density, r | g/cm3 | ASTM C20 | 3.21 |
Color | - | - | dark gray |
Crystal Structure | - | - | hexagonal |
Water Absorption | % @R.T. | ASTM C373 | 0.0 |
Hardness | Moh's | - | 9 - 10 |
Hardness | knoop (kg/mm2) | Knoop 100g | 2800 |
Mechanical | |||
Compressive Strength | MPa @ R.T. | ASTM C773 | 1725 - 2500 |
Tensile Strength | MPa @ R.T. | ACMA Test #4 | 310 |
Modulus of Elasticity | GPa | ASTM C848 | 476 |
Flexural Strength (MOR) | MPa @ R.T. | ASTM F417 | 324 |
Poisson's Ratio, u | ASTM C818 | 0.19 | |
Fracture Toughness, KIc | MPa x m1/2 | Notched Beam Test | 4.0 |
Thermal | |||
Max. Use Temperature | ºC | No load cond. | 1400 |
Thermal Shock Resistance | DT (ºC) | Quenching | 350 - 500 |
Thermal Conductivity | W/m-K @ R.T. | ASTM C408 | 41 |
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion, al | mm/m-ºC (~25ºC through ±1000ºC) | ASTM C372 | 5.12 |
Specific Heat, cp | cal/g-ºC @ R.T. | ASTM C351 | 0.15 |
Electrical | |||
Dielectric Constant | 1MHz @ R.T. | ASTM D150 | 10.2 |
Dielectric Strength | kV/mm | ASTM D116 | - |
Electrical Resistivity | Wcm @ R.T. | ASTM D1829 | 108 |