What is Silicon Carbide? A Complete Introduction

Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the most versatile and high-performance industrial materials in the world. Known for its exceptional hardness, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, it serves a broad range of applications from abrasive blasting to power electronics. This article explores the different types of silicon carbide and matches each to its corresponding grit size or physical form, giving B2B buyers and industrial professionals actionable insights.

Black Silicon Carbide (Black SiC)

Black silicon carbide contains about 95% SiC and is known for its high hardness and mechanical strength. It is widely used in grinding, cutting, and refractory applications.

Key Properties

• Mohs hardness: ~9.2

• Good thermal conductivity

• Moderate purity

Applications

• Abrasive tools

• Deoxidizing agents

• Refractory bricks

Available Grit Sizes

• FEPA F series: F12 – F220 (macro grains), F240 – F1200 (micro powder)

• FEPA P series: P16 – P2500

Green Silicon Carbide (Green SiC)

Green silicon carbide is a purer form (≥99% SiC) with slightly higher hardness than black SiC. It's typically used in high-precision grinding and polishing.

Key Properties

• Mohs hardness: ~9.4

• Very high purity

• Chemically inert

Applications

• Hard alloy finishing

• Semiconductor wafer slicing

• Optical polishing

Available Grit Sizes

• FEPA F series: F12 – F220, F240 – F2000

• FEPA P series: P400 – P6000

Cubic Silicon Carbide (3C-SiC / β-SiC)

3C-SiC has a cubic crystal structure and is used primarily in the semiconductor industry due to its high electron mobility.

Key Properties

• Low defect density

• High thermal conductivity

• Thin-film friendly

Applications

• High-temperature semiconductors

• MEMS

• Substrates for GaN devices

Form

• Sold as wafers, thin films or epitaxial layers

• Not applicable to FEPA grit sizing

Hexagonal Silicon Carbide (4H-SiC / 6H-SiC)

These are polytypes with hexagonal crystal structures widely used in power electronic devices due to superior electron mobility and breakdown strength.

Applications

• MOSFETs

• Schottky diodes

• Power modules

Form

• Available as mono-crystalline wafers (e.g. 100mm, 150mm)

• No applicable grit sizes

Reaction Sintered Silicon Carbide (RS-SiC)

RS-SiC is a ceramic composite formed by infiltrating silicon into carbon preforms. It combines high strength with excellent oxidation resistance.

Applications

• Heat exchangers

• Burner nozzles

• High-speed train braking systems

Available Grit Sizes (if powdered)

• F36 – F90 (when used as matrix or base material)

• Typically delivered as pre-shaped components

Hot Pressed Silicon Carbide (HP-SiC)

HP-SiC is produced by sintering SiC powders under high pressure and temperature. It offers excellent strength and chemical resistance.

Applications

• High-temperature structural components

• Satellite optics

• Furnace furniture

Available Grit Sizes (for powder form)

• F90 – F400 (if raw powder required)

• Primarily sold as solid blocks or custom parts

Oxide Bonded Silicon Carbide (CO-SiC)

CO-SiC is made by adding oxide binders to SiC grains, forming a porous structure suitable for kiln furniture and refractory linings.

Applications

• Kiln shelves

• Burner blocks

• Support beams

Available Grit Sizes

• F12 – F90 (for shaping or as base grains)

Summary Table: Grit Size Availability by Silicon Carbide Type

Final Thoughts

Understanding the types of silicon carbide and their available grit sizes helps procurement teams, engineers, and end users select the right material for each application—whether you're sourcing abrasive grits or high-tech wafers.

For bulk orders or detailed specs on each grade, contact a certified silicon carbide supplier and request batch-specific technical data sheets (TDS).

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