SILICON CARBIDE
Silicon Carbide – High-Performance Abrasive for Industrial Applications
Silicon carbide (SiC) is a synthetic material renowned for its exceptional hardness and thermal conductivity, making it an ideal abrasive for various industrial processes.
Produced by combining silica sand and carbon at high temperatures, SiC forms hard, angular particles suitable for aggressive cutting and surface preparation tasks.
WHY CHOOSE SILICON CARBIDE?
Superior Hardness
With a Mohs hardness of 9.1, silicon carbide is surpassed only by diamond and boron carbide, ensuring efficient cutting and grinding.
Fast Cutting Action
Its sharp, angular structure facilitates rapid material removal, enhancing productivity in blasting and grinding operations.
Reusability
Silicon carbide’s toughness allows for multiple recycling cycles, offering cost-effectiveness in various applications.
Thermal Stability
High thermal conductivity and stability make it suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures.
Silicon Carbide Specifications
| Hardness | 9.5 on the Mohs scale, indicating exceptional hardness, just below diamond. |
| Composition | Primarily composed of silicon and carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure. |
| Thermal Conductivity | High thermal conductivity, making it suitable for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation. |
| Recyclability | High degree of recyclability due to its durability and toughness. |
| Particle Sizes |
Available in a variety of particle size distributions to meet specific application requirements. Note: Specific particle size distributions and additional technical details can be obtained by contacting our office. |
Applications of Silicon Carbide
Silicon carbide’s unique properties make it versatile across numerous industrial applications:
Abrasive Blasting: Ideal for removing rust, scale, and old coatings from hard surfaces, preparing them for subsequent treatments.
Grinding and Cutting: Used in grinding wheels and cutting tools for hard materials like cast iron, non-ferrous metals, and ceramics.
Lapping and Polishing: Provides fine finishes on metals, glass, and stone, essential in optics and jewelry industries.
Non-Slip Flooring: Incorporated into flooring materials to enhance traction in industrial and commercial settings.
Refractory Applications: Due to its thermal stability, SiC is used in kiln furniture and other high-temperature environments.
For more information on industry-specific uses, check out our Applications pages.
- No minimum order at any of our locations: Hatfield, PA; Grand Rapids, MI; Greensboro, NC
- Mix and Match skids of different grades OR medias available at no extra charge
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- Ready to Order? Contact us now!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to common questions about the silicon carbide, it’s common applications and more.
Don’t see your question? Contact us and we can add it!
What is silicon carbide?
Silicon carbide is a synthetic material combining silicon and carbon, known for its hardness and thermal properties, widely used as an abrasive.
How does silicon carbide compare to aluminum oxide as an abrasive?
Silicon carbide is harder and sharper than aluminum oxide, providing faster cutting but may wear out quicker on softer materials.
Can silicon carbide be reused?
Yes, silicon carbide can be recycled multiple times, depending on the application and material being processed.
Is silicon carbide suitable for wet blasting?
Yes, silicon carbide is effective in both wet and dry blasting processes.
Call one of our experts today to discuss.
What safety precautions are needed when using silicon carbide?
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, eye protection, and respiratory gear, to prevent inhalation of dust and contact with skin.