Silicon Carbide, or corundum, is the only compound of silicon and carbon. Silicon Carbide does occur naturally in the mineral moissanite, but this is extremely rare. However, it has been produced in large quantities in powder form for use as an abrasive since 1893. As an abrasive, it has been used in grinding wheels and many other abrasive applications for over a century.
Current technology has enabled the development of high-quality, industrial-grade ceramics containing Silicon Carbide, which exhibit highly advantageous mechanical properties, such as exceptional hardness, high strength, low density, high elastic modulus, high thermal shock resistance, excellent chemical inertness, high thermal conductivity, and low thermal expansion.
These strong and extremely durable ceramics are widely used in applications such as automotive brakes and clutches, as well as ceramic plates embedded in bulletproof vests. Silicon Carbide is also used in semiconductor electronic devices operating at high temperatures or voltages, such as flame igniters, resistance heating, and harsh-environment electronic components.
One of the primary automotive applications for Silicon Carbide is in high-performance "ceramic" brake discs. Silicon is combined with graphite in a composite to create carbon fiber-reinforced Silicon Carbide. These brake discs are used in certain sports cars, supercars, and other performance vehicles. Another automotive use for Silicon Carbide is as an oil additive. In this application, silicon carbide reduces friction, emissions, and harmonics.
This concludes the list of applications for Silicon Carbide ceramics. For more information, please contact us.
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