Silicon Carbide Micron Powder (SiC, 99.5+, Beta, <2.6 µm, Whisker)
Technical Specifications:
- Material: Silicon Carbide (SiC)
- Purity: 99.5% or higher
- Phase: Beta (β-SiC)
- Particle Size: Less than 2.6 µm (microns)
- Shape: Whisker-like or needle-shaped, characteristic of beta-phase SiC
- Density: Approximately 3.21 g/cm³
- Melting Point: Approximately 2,700°C (4,892°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at approximately 3,200°C (5,792°F)
- Chemical Composition:
- Silicon (Si): ~70%
- Carbon (C): ~30%
Applications:
- Reinforcement in Composite Materials:
- Silicon Carbide whiskers are commonly used as reinforcements in composite materials due to their high strength and exceptional stiffness. The whisker-like morphology of the β-SiC powder helps improve the mechanical properties of ceramic composites, metal matrix composites (MMC), and polymer matrix composites (PMC). These composites are used in aerospace, automotive, and defense industries for lightweight and high-strength materials.
- SiC whiskers improve the tensile strength, fracture toughness, and thermal stability of materials, making them suitable for high-performance applications.
- Wear-Resistant Coatings:
- Silicon Carbide whiskers are used in wear-resistant coatings for components exposed to abrasion, erosion, or high-temperature wear. The whisker morphology significantly enhances the wear resistance of cutting tools, machinery parts, and components used in metalworking, mining, and automotive industries.
- The micron-sized whiskers increase the abrasion resistance and life span of components like valves, nozzles, rotors, and bearings that undergo high friction.
- Semiconductor Devices:
- Beta Silicon Carbide (β-SiC) is used in semiconductor devices due to its wide bandgap and high breakdown voltage, making it suitable for use in high-power and high-frequency applications. The whisker form of SiC is often used in diodes, transistors, MOSFETs, and power modules for electric vehicles, solar power inverters, and telecommunications equipment.
- SiC whiskers provide improved thermal conductivity and electrical stability, making them ideal for power electronics operating under extreme conditions.
- Thermal Management:
- SiC whiskers are used in thermal management systems due to their excellent thermal conductivity. They are incorporated into thermal interface materials, heat sinks, and cooling systems to dissipate heat effectively from high-power devices such as LEDs, power electronics, and semiconductors.
- SiC whisker composites are also used to produce heat-resistant coatings and structural materials for use in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.
- Advanced Ceramic Materials:
- Silicon Carbide whiskers are used to improve the properties of ceramic materials. They are often added to ceramic matrices to enhance mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and oxidation resistance. These ceramic composites are used in brakes, bearings, cutting tools, engine components, and electronic devices.
- β-SiC whiskers offer high temperature resistance, chemical stability, and fracture toughness, making them ideal for high-performance applications that require strength under extreme heat and stress.
- High-Temperature Components:
- Silicon Carbide is widely used in high-temperature applications, particularly in aerospace, nuclear reactors, and power generation. SiC whiskers are used to improve the thermal stability and oxidation resistance of high-temperature components such as heat shields, nozzles, turbine blades, and furnace linings.
- The whiskers help these materials withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, thermal shock, and oxidation in environments like rocket engines or gas turbines.
- Electrical Contacts and Switches:
- Silicon Carbide whiskers are used in electrical contacts and switches that need to handle high currents and high voltages. The whisker morphology improves the conductivity and durability of electrical components like relays, contact points, and arc-extinguishing materials.
- SiC whiskers can be incorporated into switching devices and electrical connectors to improve reliability and contact performance under high-stress electrical conditions.
- Catalyst Supports:
- Silicon Carbide whiskers are used in catalyst support materials due to their high surface area and stability under harsh environments. They are commonly used in hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, methanation, and carbon monoxide oxidation reactions.
- SiC whisker composites can be used in catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems, as well as in chemical production systems that require high-temperature stability and high chemical reactivity.
- Superconducting Materials:
- SiC whiskers are being explored for use in superconducting materials and devices that require high strength, thermal stability, and resistance to radiation. The whiskers enhance the structural properties of superconducting composites used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), high-energy particle accelerators, and superconducting magnets.
- These materials are utilized in quantum computing, energy storage systems, and other cutting-edge technologies.
- Research and Development:
- SiC whiskers are widely used in research and development to explore novel materials and nanocomposites. They are particularly useful for studying nanomaterial properties, advanced ceramics, and high-temperature applications in industries like automotive, electronics, aerospace, and materials science.
- Researchers use SiC whiskers to study their mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and electrical behavior in the development of next-generation materials for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
Silicon Carbide Micron Powder (SiC, 99.5+, Beta, <2.6 µm, Whisker) is a high-performance material known for its exceptional hardness, thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and mechanical strength. Its whisker form offers unique advantages in composite reinforcement, wear-resistant coatings, and high-temperature applications. It is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and materials science for cutting-edge technologies that require durability, high strength, and thermal conductivity under extreme conditions. The micron powder form ensures high surface area, making it ideal for nanocomposites, electrical contacts, catalysis, and high-performance components.
