All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(163468 products available)
Ready to Ship
Silicon carbide comes in various types to make it more suitable for specific applications. Nevertheless, each type has its characteristic structure, adding to its unique properties. They include the following:
Alpha Silicon Carbide
Usually, it forms at high temperatures and consists of a hexagonal crystal structure. Often, it is stable at high temperatures and doesn't easily transform into other forms. Also, because of its excellent ability to withstand thermal shock, it is used in refractory materials, heating elements, and kilns. In addition, its durability and resistance to wear make it suitable for machining tools and abrasive applications.
Beta Silicon Carbide
Naturally, it is more soluble than alpha silicon carbide and has a cubic crystal structure. Commonly, it transforms from the alpha phase at elevated temperatures. It is often used in optoelectronic devices like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes. This is due to its semiconductor properties and stability at room temperature. Also, it is used in abrasives and as a component in ceramic materials.
Silicor
Silicor is a silicon carbide that contains a combination of silicon and carbide. Often, it is used for steel and metal foundry applications because it acts as a carbon additive. This improves the quality of the end product. In addition, it is an economical choice for industries where silicon and carbon are required. However, it is typically lower in purity compared to other silicon carbine forms. Nevertheless, it offers cost-effective benefits for certain industrial uses.
Wood Carvings
Wood carvings silicon carbide is present in the form of fine silicon carbide grains that are used in creating wood carvings. Usually, they are bonded to a flexible backing and made into sanding belts and discs. They are tough and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with sanding wood projects. Ideal for achieving a smooth finish on intricate wood details, without damaging the wood or leaving undesirable scratches.
Fused Silicon Carbide
Silicon carbide is produced by fusing silica sand and carbon in an electric arc furnace. Typically, this results in a high-purity, crystalline material. In most cases, it is used in abrasives, ceramics, and as a refractory material due to its hardness and chemical resistance. Moreover, it is applicable in metalworking, mining, and construction industries for producing abrasive tools and materials that require durability and resistance to wear.
Green Silicon Carbide
It is produced by crystallizing silicon carbide material at high temperatures and typically has a predominant primary element of green because of its unique trigonal crystal structure. Often, it is used in making abrasives, particularly for cutting non-metal materials like ceramic, glass, and rubber. This is because it has sharp edges and a high degree of hardness. Its semiconductor properties also allow its usage in electronics.
Automotive Applications
Usually, silicon carbide is used in power electronics for electric vehicles (EVs). This is because it has better thermal conductivity, higher breakdown voltages, and lower switching losses. Therefore, help to improve the efficiency of motor drives and power conversion. In addition, due to its high-temperature resistance, SiC is suitable for use in automotive fuel and brake sensors that operate under challenging conditions. Furthermore, it is applied in the production of semiconductor devices that regulate power usage and enhance energy efficiency in automotive systems.
Aerospace and Defense Applications
Silicon carbide is typically used in satellite components, rocket nozzles, and other aerospace systems. This is because it can withstand extreme environmental conditions, such as elevated temperatures and chemical exposure. Moreover, due to its strength and lightweight nature, SiC is applied in protective gear and systems. These include ballistic vests and helmets, where its robust properties offer defense against high-velocity projectiles while maintaining a lighter weight compared to traditional materials.
Chemical Processing Industry Applications
Silicon carbide is often employed in pump seals, shafts, and bearings in the Chemical Processing Industry (CPI). This is due to its exceptional wear resistance and durability. Moreover, its ability to withstand aggressive chemicals makes it a dependable material for handling caustic substances. It reduces maintenance costs, increases wear-resistant equipment longevity, and minimizes downtime in an industry that relies on continuous operation.
Coatings, Plating, and Metal Forming
Silicon carbide particles add to metal forming lubricants. Usually, they help in improving the surface finish of formed metal parts and extending die life through enhanced wear resistance. This is because in metal coating baths, SiC particle suspension aids in contaminant removal. It achieves this by creating a competitive filtration effect that reduces the presence of harmful impurities like sulphur and lead. In electroplating processes, SiC particles incorporated into the plating bath enhance the quality of the electroplated finish. Consequently, it improves the overall efficiency and effectiveness of these metalworking processes.
The method of installation of silicon carbide depends on the application it will be used in. Normally, for silicon carbide semiconductors, one needs to start by cleaning the substrate and applying photolithography to define the areas for doping. Additionally, doping with appropriate impurities integrates the silicon carbide crystal.
Usually, it forms n-type or p-type regions. The next step involves ion implantation or diffusion. This is where dopants are introduced into the silicon carbide substrate to create semiconductor junctions. After this, the substrate undergoes rapid thermal annealing to activate the dopants and repair the crystal structure.
For industrial applications, silicon carbide is available in various forms like powders, grains, or as a raw material. Usually, they are integrated into machinery or equipment. This includes incorporating SiC-coated tools for grinding, cutting, or polishing. Silicon carbide can also be utilized in furnaces, molds, or as a heating element in high-temperature processes. This is due to the material's ability to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining strength and integrity.
In terms of maintenance, SiC electronic devices usually require periodic inspections for signs of wear or damage. In addition, environmental conditions such as exposure to extreme chemicals or temperatures should be monitored to ensure the longevity of components. Also, for silicon carbide coated or bonded tools, regular cleaning with brushes or compressed air is necessary for removing particles. This helps to ensure optimal performance. Moreover, maintenance for SiC in high-power electronic applications involves routine checks for thermal performance and electrical characteristics. This aids in maintaining efficient operation and preventing failure.
Dust Control: Silicon carbide powder can create dust, which is hazardous. Therefore, use wet methods, vacuums with particulate filters, and avoid dry brushing to minimize dust dispersion.
Hazardous Substance Monitoring: Silicon carbide can sometimes contain hazardous substances like silica or heavy metals. Therefore, regularly check the material for hazardous substances and ensure it meets legal requirements.
Machinery Safety: Silicon carbide machinery and equipment safety locks and emergency stops should be fitted with proper machine guards to prevent accidental contact with moving parts.
Handling Precautions: When handling bulk silicon carbide, one should take caution, as it can be heavy. Also, it's recommended to use mechanical aids or lift equipment to prevent manual handling injuries.
Material Purity: The quality of silicon carbide for semiconductor applications is definitely based on the SiC crystal's purity and quality. Also, impurities typically affect semiconductor performance. Therefore, choose suppliers who offer high-quality SiC via controlled manufacturing processes.
Particle Size Distribution: It is a critical quality determinant for silicon carbide blasting and coatings. This is because it highly affects the surface finish and the rate of material removal. Often, quality checks ensure an adequate particle size distribution that matches the application requirements.
Grain Integrity: Usually, it refers to the silicon carbide grain's strength and toughness. In addition, it remains intact throughout usage, thus ensuring effective performance. Also, it ensures that the grains have no defects like micro-cracks.
Uniformity: Usually, the uniformity of silicon carbide particles in size, shape, and quality is critical, especially for applications such as electronics. Often, variations can lead to inconsistent product performance. Quality control measures focus on maintaining consistent manufacturing standards.
Yes, silicon carbide can be used in electronic devices. Normally, it has wide applications in electronics. This is due to its properties such as ability to withstand high temperatures, voltages, and frequencies. These make it ideal for power transistors, diodes, and RF amplifiers in electric vehicles, aerospace, and energy systems.
This carbide is very strong. Normally, silicon carbide is exceptionally strong and hard, behind only diamond and cubic boron nitride. This makes it ideal for applications developing abrasives, cutting tools, and materials that can withstand extreme conditions.
Although silicon carbide has several advantages, it has a few downsides. For instance, it is relatively expensive to produce compared to traditional materials like silicon. Additionally, although SiC provides benefits for high-power applications, it is less effective for low-power electronic devices where silicon would be more suitable.
