is silicon carbide a good conductor of electricity​？

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a unique industrial material valued for its exceptional hardness, thermal resistance, and semiconductor properties. But is it a good conductor of electricity? The answer depends on the context—whether it's used in its raw abrasive form or as an engineered electronic component. This article explores the electrical conductivity of silicon carbide and its industrial applications.

Silicon Carbide as a Semiconductor

Silicon carbide is a wide bandgap semiconductor, meaning it has higher electrical resistance than metals but can conduct electricity under specific conditions. Unlike metals, it doesn’t freely allow electron flow—but with proper doping (the addition of impurities), it becomes an efficient electrical conductor, especially in high-temperature and high-voltage environments.

• Bandgap: ~3.2 eV (vs. 1.1 eV for silicon)
• Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (4H, 6H) or cubic (3C) polytypes
• Breakdown Voltage: Up to 10× higher than silicon

Why It Matters in Power Electronics

In the electronics industry, silicon carbide is highly valued for its electrical characteristics. It’s used in components such as:

• Schottky diodes
• MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors)
• Power modules for EVs, solar inverters, and aerospace systems

These devices perform better than traditional silicon components in high-frequency and high-temperature conditions, making SiC essential in the shift toward energy efficiency and miniaturization.

Conductivity of Raw SiC Material (e.g., Abrasives)

In its raw, sintered, or abrasive form, silicon carbide is a **poor electrical conductor**—comparable to ceramics. However, it does exhibit **some conductivity**, especially at elevated temperatures. This is why it’s used in certain types of heating elements (e.g., SiC rods in furnaces).

Electrical Resistivity of SiC Abrasives:

• At Room Temperature: ~10⁵ to 10⁸ ohm·cm (very high resistance)
• At High Temperature (~1000°C): Significantly more conductive

So while raw SiC isn’t a “good conductor” like copper or aluminum, it’s used where moderate conductivity at high temperatures is useful—such as in kiln furniture, heaters, or ESD-safe materials.

Comparison Table: SiC vs Other Conductive Materials

Conclusion

Silicon carbide is not a good conductor in the traditional sense, but it excels as a **semiconductor** in demanding electrical environments. In its engineered form, it outperforms traditional silicon in high-voltage and high-temperature electronics. In its raw abrasive form, it offers limited conductivity—yet enough for use in certain heating and static-dissipative applications.

For technical-grade SiC powder or abrasive material, contact CanAbrasive to explore options tailored to your industry.