Silicon carbide, also known as carborundum, is one of the most widely used advanced ceramic materials in modern industry. This compound possess extreme physical hardness and excellent thermal properties. Due to its excellent performance when metals fail, silicon carbide has become a popular material in high-end industries.

Can I choose silicon carbide in my industrial application? This question has confused many engineers and procurement personnel. In this article, we will explore 6 popular uses of silicon carbide ceramics, and why they are replacing traditional materials.

Table of Contents

High-Temperature Industrial Furnaces

Silicon carbide has a wide range of uses for industrial kiln furniture and heat exchangers. Many industrial manufacturing processes, like firing of ceramics and porcelain, require temperatures up to over 1,200℃. Under such extreme conditions, most metals will lose strength or even melt.

Reaction bonded silicon carbide rollers maintain stable in this environment. With high thermal shock resistance, rollers will not crack during rapid temperature changes. Using SiC components in furnaces improves energy efficiency and ensures a longer equipment lifespan in heavy-duty factories.

Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

Silicon carbide becomes an important material in the wafer processing. It is commonly used to make high-purity SiC susceptors and focus rings for plasma etching.

During etching process, chemicals will corrode most of the materials you use. But silicon carbide can resist chemical corrosion and high temperature. Silicon carbide possess high thermal conductivity, ensuring even heat distribution across the wafer. This will helpful for producing smaller, more powerful microchips.

Meanwhile, silicon carbide can also be found in wafer handling. Silicon carbide end effector has extremely high rigidity. It does not produce any slight vibrations during high-speed movement, avoiding scratches or damage to the wafer.

Silicon Carbide End Effector for Wafer Transport

Ballistic Armor and Personal Protection

In the defense sector, silicon carbide ceramic ballistic plates are the gold standard for personal protection. Many soldiers and law enforcement personnel rely on SiC plates in their bulletproof vests.

Silicon carbide possesses extremely high hardness only next to diamond. It can shatter high-speed projectiles upon impact. Compared to alumina ones, lightweight silicon carbide body armor delivers better protection without extra weight. This improvement is really important for mobility on the battlefield. It provides a perfect balance between personnel safety and physical performance.

Pentagon Silicon Carbide Bulletproof Tiles

Electric Vehicle Power Electronics

Do you know? Silicon carbide is popular in automotive industry now, especially in the EV power system. Electric vehicles (EVs) need highly efficient energy conversion to maximize driving range. Compared to silicon chips, using silicon carbide MOSFETs in EVs power systems can reduce energy loss by up to 50%. These SiC components can endure higher voltages. They can run much cooler to avoid overheating. High efficiency allows smaller batteries and faster charging systems. For the customers, this means longer travel distances and shorter wait times at charging stations.

Industrial Mechanical Seals and Bearings

In the area of fluid handling, corrosion-resistant silicon carbide seal rings can be found in centrifugal pumps, agitators, and compressors.

Industrial pumps and valves may come in contact with abrasives or corrosive liquids, which will damage metal parts quickly. Silicon carbide seals and bearings work well since they resist most acids and alkalis. Their low friction coefficient and high wear resistance ensure a longer service life. By using silicon carbide parts, you can significantly reduce the downtime and lower your maintenance costs on the machine.

Aerospace and Precision Optics

In the aerospace field, silicon carbide is used for producing satellite mirror and stiff structural parts. The unique environment of space present challenges like extreme cold and intense radiation. Engineers often choose silicon carbide for its rigidity and lightweight.

Silicon carbide mirrors possess a low thermal expansion coefficient to ensure that they do not warp when temperature changes. Such stability is meaningful for capturing high-resolution images from space. By using lightweight silicon carbide optics, you can reduce launch costs while maintaining the highest level of precision.

Common Types of Silicon Carbide Ceramics

To choose the right material, you may want to know the different manufacturing processes of silicon carbide. Each type of SiC offers unique advantages, depending on your industrial environment.

RBSiC/SiSiC

Reaction bonded silicon carbide is the most cost-effective type for complex shapes and large industrial components. It provides high wear resistance, commonly employed in desulfurization nozzles and heavy-duty kiln furniture.

NBSiC

Nitride bonded silicon carbide features high resistance to molten metal and thermal shock. It is widely used in the aluminum and copper smelting as crucibles and lining bricks.

SSiC

Sintered silicon carbide is the most corrosion-resistant one. It is the top choice for high-end mechanical seals and chemical pump parts.

RSiC

Recrystallized silicon carbide maintains high porosity and strength at temperatures up to 1,600℃. It is frequently used for high-temperature furnace rollers and supports.

The table below shows the main properties of 4 types of silicon carbide. You can get a quick reference for performance parameters from the table.

Item	Unit	Data
Item	Unit	RBSiC (SiSiC)	NBSiC	SSiC	RSiC
Max Service Temperature	℃	1,380	1,450	1,650	1,620
Density	g/cm³	3.02	2.75-2.85	3.08-3.16	2.65-2.75
Open Porosity	%	0	13-15	0	15-18
Bending Strength 20℃	Mpa	250	160	380	100
Bending Strength 1200℃	Mpa	280	180	400	120
Modulus of Elasticity 20℃	Gpa	330	580	420	240
Modulus of Elasticity 1200℃	Gpa	300	/	/	200
Thermal Conductivity 1200℃	W/m.k	45	19.6	100-120	36.6
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	K^–¹x10^-6	4.5	4.7	4.1	4.69
HV	kg/mm²	2,115	/	2,800	/

Conclusion

Silicon carbide ceramics are more than industrial materials. They are the foundation of modern high-tech solutions. Whether you need extreme heat resistance or chemical stability, there is a specific type of silicon carbide product designed for you.

Need expert advice on silicon carbide or high-quality silicon carbide parts for your next project? Newthink New Materials can help you select the perfect one for your specific needs. Please contact us for more information.

Thanks for your reading. Hope this article will be helpful.

FAQs

What is the main use of silicon carbide?

In earlier industrial uses, silicon carbide is mainly used as abrasive for grinding and cutting. It now plays an important role in high-end industrial fields like EVs and semiconductor manufacturing today.

Do silicon carbide ceramics conduct electricity?

Silicon carbide is a semiconductor. Its electrical conductivity changes depending on the temperature and the percentage of impurities.

Why is SiC used in bulletproof plates?

SiC provides high hardness with lower weight. When a bullet hits, SiC plate shatters the projectile and absorbs its energy.

What is the maximum operating temperature of SiC?

Depend on the type. For example, SSiC can operate in air up to 1,650℃. RBSiC is typically limited to 1,380℃. You can check the table in the article to get more information.

Is silicon carbide resistant to chemical corrosion?

Yes. Silicon carbide possesses high resistance to almost all strong acids and alkalis.

Is silicon carbide better than alumina ceramic?

Depend on your application. Silicon carbide is harder with better thermal conductivity. Besides,A alumina is more affordable, acting as excellent insulator. Choose SiC for extreme heat or high-wear environments. For a detailed comparison, please see our previous article.