Silicon Carbide (SiC) components are versatile materials known for their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties.
These components are used in various applications, including heating elements, wafer processing equipment, and turbine components.
This is due to their high thermal conductivity, thermal shock resistance, and wear resistance.
SiC is a ceramic material composed of silicon and carbon, offering high electrical conductivity and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
5 Key Points Explained
Composition and Structure
Chemical Composition: SiC is a compound of silicon and carbon, known as carborundum.
It is a ceramic material with a lattice structure consisting of bonds between tetrahedron carbon and silicon atoms.
Hardness and Strength: Due to its strong covalent bonds, SiC possesses substantial hardness and mechanical strength, approaching that of diamond.
Manufacturing Processes
Recrystallization: SiC heating elements are made by fusing high-purity silicon carbide grains at temperatures over 2150°C, a process known as recrystallization.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): KinTek uses a bulk CVD process to produce high-purity (>99.9995%) solid cubic beta SiC components.
This method ensures superior chemical resistance, thermal conductivity, and thermal shock resistance.
Reaction Bonded SiC: Made by infiltrating compacts of SiC and carbon with liquid silicon, which reacts with the carbon to form silicon carbide, bonding the particles together.
Sintered SiC: Produced from pure SiC powder with non-oxide sintering aids, using conventional ceramic forming processes and sintering in an inert atmosphere at high temperatures.
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity: SiC has a thermal conductivity range of 120-270 W/mK, making it highly efficient at conducting heat.
Thermal Expansion: With a thermal expansion coefficient of 4.0x10-6/°C, SiC exhibits low thermal expansion, which is beneficial for minimizing thermal stress and maintaining structural integrity under temperature changes.
Thermal Shock Resistance: SiC's ability to withstand rapid temperature changes without damage is due to its high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion.
Electrical Properties
Electrical Conductivity: SiC has high electrical conductivity, making it suitable for silicon carbide(SiC) heating element and other electrical applications.
Electrical Resistivity: CVD SiC is available in both low (<10 Ohm-cm) and high (>1,000 Ohm-cm) electrical resistivity grades, catering to various electrical requirements.
Applications
Heating Elements: SiC is widely used for silicon carbide(SiC) heating element due to its high electrical conductivity and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
Wafer Processing and Handling Equipment: High-purity SiC components are used in wafer processing equipment for their superior chemical resistance and thermal properties.
Turbine Components: SiC's wear resistance, high temperature strength, and thermal shock resistance make it suitable for turbine components in high-temperature environments.
Mechanical Properties
Wear Resistance: SiC is highly wear-resistant, making it ideal for applications where abrasion is a concern.
High Temperature Strength: SiC maintains its mechanical strength at high temperatures, which is crucial for high-temperature applications.
In summary, SiC components are highly versatile materials with exceptional mechanical and thermal properties.
Their ability to withstand high temperatures, resist wear, and conduct heat efficiently makes them suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and automotive.
Continue exploring, consult our experts
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