Silicon carbide, SiC, ca. 30μm, F320 (FEPA), Dark/Black, hard CAS 409-21-2
Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄): High-Performance Materials for Advanced Industries
Silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) are among the hardest known synthetic materials—only diamond in its natural form surpasses their hardness. Alongside their counterparts in the refractory metals group, they represent the pinnacle of extremely heat-resistant and wear-resistant materials, which are indispensable in numerous high-tech industries. Due to the practically non-existent natural occurrences of SiC and Si₃N₄, production is exclusively synthetic, yielding materials with outstanding mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.
Synthetic Production of Silicon Carbide
Since silicon carbide does not occur naturally in sufficient purity, it is industrially produced via the Acheson process or through synthesis from silicon and carbon at extremely high temperatures (approximately 2,000–2,500 °C). This process yields two primary grades:
Dark (Black) Silicon Carbide
Contains impurities from aluminum and iron oxides
Lower purity but more cost-effective
Key applications: Abrasives, refractory materials, abrasive coatings
Light (Green) Silicon Carbide
Higher purity (lower metal oxide content)
Superior thermal and electrical insulation properties
Applications: Precision abrasives, semiconductor industry, high-performance ceramics
? Note: The color of SiC powder serves as a qualitative indicator of purity—the darker the material, the higher the impurity content.
Focus Material: Anthracite Silicon Carbide Powder
The anthracite-colored silicon carbide powder in question belongs to the dark SiC grades and is primarily used as an abrasive in industrial applications. Its particulate structure and high hardness make it ideal for processes requiring efficient material removal.
Detailed Chemical and Physical Properties
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Property
Specification
Significance for Application
Chemical Formula
SiC
Primary constituent of the material
Modification
α-SiC (Alpha Silicon Carbide)
Most stable crystal structure at room temperature
Color
Anthracite (dark gray to black)
Indicator of purity and impurities
Particle Size (FEPA)
F320 (approx. 30 µm)
Standard grain size for abrasive applications; defines material removal rate and surface finish
Hardness (Mohs)
9.0–9.5
Comparable to corundum; surpasses many metal oxides
Melting Point
~2,730 °C
Extremely heat-resistant—ideal for high-temperature processes
Density
3.21 g/cm³
Lightweight compared to many metals
Thermal Conductivity
120–200 W/m·K
High heat dissipation—critical for cooling applications
Electrical Conductivity
Semiconductor properties
Suitable for electronic applications
? FEPA Grain F320: The F320 classification according to the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives (FEPA) corresponds to a mean particle size of approximately 30 micrometers. This grain size is commonly used in precision grinding processes, surface finishing applications, and metalworking.
General Industrial Applications of Silicon Carbide
Thanks to its extreme hardness, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, silicon carbide is utilized across multiple industries:
✅ Abrasives and Polishing
Production of grinding wheels, sandpaper, and polishing pastes
Machining of hard metals, glass, ceramics, and gemstones
✅ Refractory Materials
Lining for furnaces, waste incineration plants, and steel mills
Manufacturing of high-performance ceramics
✅ Electronics & Semiconductor Industry
SiC semiconductors for efficient power electronics (e.g., in electric vehicles and solar inverters)
Substrate material for power transistors and diodes
✅ Automotive Industry
Lightweight components for engines and turbochargers
SiC ceramic brake discs (higher heat resistance and longer lifespan)
✅ Aerospace
Heat shields and structural components for spacecraft
Turbine blades in aircraft engines
Safety and Handling of Silicon Carbide Powder
Although silicon carbide is not classified as acutely toxic, the following safety precautions must be observed when handling the powder:
⚠️ Avoid Dust Generation
Use respiratory protection (FFP2/FFP3 masks) and extraction systems
Dust can cause respiratory irritation
⚠️ Minimize Skin and Eye Contact
Wear protective gloves and safety goggles
In case of contact: Rinse immediately with water
⚠️ Storage
Store dry and airtight to prevent moisture absorption
Keep away from strong acids and alkalis
Content:
0.1 Kilogramm
(€20.00 / 1 Kilogramm)