Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a compound of silicon and carbon with chemical formula SiC. It occurs in nature as the extremely rare mineral moissanite. Synthetic silicon carbide powder has been mass-produced since 1893 for use as an abrasive. Grains of silicon carbide can be bonded together by sintering to form very hard ceramics that are widely used in applications requiring high endurance, such as car brakes, car clutches and ceramic plates in bulletproof vests. Electronic applications of silicon carbide such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and detectors in early radios were first demonstrated around 1907. SiC is used in semiconductor electronics devices that operate at high temperatures or high voltages, or both.
Silicon carbide is a semiconductor material with a wide bandgap, high thermal conductivity, high electric field breakdown strength, and high maximum current density. These properties make SiC valuable in high-power and high-temperature electronic devices.
Silicon carbide has diverse applications across multiple industries due to its unique combination of properties.
Used in grinding wheels, sandpapers, and cutting tools due to its extreme hardness.
Used in ceramic brake discs, clutch systems, and as a material for high-temperature components.
Used in high-voltage, high-temperature power devices, RF devices, and as a substrate for LEDs.
Used in furnace linings and other high-temperature applications due to its thermal stability.
American Elements manufactures Silicon Carbide in numerous forms including:
Please review the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for proper handling and safety information. Silicon carbide is generally considered stable and non-reactive under normal conditions, but dust inhalation should be avoided.
Silicon Carbide is related to other carbon and silicon compounds and advanced materials.
