Silicon carbide (SiC) indeed has high thermal conductivity, which is one of its standout properties. The thermal conductivity of SiC varies depending on its form and manufacturing process, ranging from 30-40 W/(m∙K) for recrystallized and liquid-phase sintered materials to as high as 490 W/(m∙K) for single-crystalline SiC. For CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) SiC, the thermal conductivity is typically at least 150 W/mK, which is higher than that of common steels and cast iron. This high thermal conductivity, combined with its low thermal expansion and excellent thermal shock resistance, makes SiC an excellent material for high-temperature applications and environments requiring efficient heat dissipation.
Key Points Explained:
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Thermal Conductivity Range of Silicon Carbide:
- Silicon carbide exhibits a wide range of thermal conductivity values depending on its form and manufacturing process.
- Recrystallized and liquid-phase sintered SiC materials have thermal conductivities in the range of 30-40 W/(m∙K).
- Single-crystalline SiC can achieve thermal conductivities as high as 490 W/(m∙K).
- CVD SiC typically has a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W/mK, which is higher than many common metals like steel and cast iron.
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Comparison with Other Materials:
- The thermal conductivity of SiC is significantly higher than that of many other ceramics and even some metals.
- For example, the thermal conductivity of common steels and cast iron is lower than that of CVD SiC, making SiC a superior choice for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation.
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Impact of Temperature on Thermal Conductivity:
- While SiC has high thermal conductivity, it is important to note that this property can decrease with increasing temperature.
- This temperature dependence must be carefully considered when selecting SiC for specific high-temperature applications.
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Applications Benefiting from High Thermal Conductivity:
- The high thermal conductivity of SiC makes it ideal for applications in high-temperature environments, such as in aerospace, automotive, and power electronics.
- Its ability to efficiently dissipate heat helps in maintaining the performance and longevity of components in these demanding applications.
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Additional Properties Enhancing Thermal Performance:
- SiC also has low thermal expansion (4.0x10-6/°C), which contributes to its excellent thermal shock resistance.
- This combination of high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion makes SiC particularly suitable for applications where thermal stability is critical.
In summary, silicon carbide's high thermal conductivity, along with its other exceptional properties such as low thermal expansion and high thermal shock resistance, makes it a highly desirable material for a wide range of high-temperature and thermally demanding applications.
Summary Table:
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 30-490 W/(m∙K) depending on form and manufacturing process |
| CVD SiC Thermal Conductivity | ≥150 W/mK (higher than steel and cast iron) |
| Single-Crystalline SiC | Up to 490 W/(m∙K) |
| Low Thermal Expansion | 4.0x10-6/°C |
| Applications | Aerospace, automotive, power electronics, and high-temperature environments |
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