Material	Silicon Carbide
	Silicon carbide (SiC) has very good chemical and mechanical properties, as well as high heat resistance. It tends to decompose at temperatures above 1000 C. Due to its relatively low cost it is used for large-size parts and high-volume production. Unlike other carbides, it doesn't oxidise, and therefore it is the most diffused carbide ceramic. Mainly used for anticorrosive and high-temperature applications, as well as for wear-resistant and highly stressed machine parts. On the other hand, its thermal conductivity, compared to other ceramics, is very high. Furthermore, because of impurities, it is semiconductive, and at high temperatures highly conductive. Pure grades are insulators but very expensive.
Danish Name	Siliciumkarbid
Category	Ceramics, Carbide ceramics
Products	Burner nozzle Mechanical seal
Processes	Powder technology
References	Atlantic Equipment Engineers H.C. Starck GmbH & Co. KG Johnson Matthey GmbH
Price	Silicon carbide powder (99% purity) can be purchased for 150 DKK/kg. Depending on the quantities and the grade purchased, prices can be higher (up to 500 DKK/kg).
Additional Info	Above 1200°C, a protective silicon dioxide layer forms on the surface, reducing the rate of decomposition. Max. use temperature: 1250°C (oxidising); E-modulus: 448 GPa; Thermal conductivity: 67 W/mK.
Photo	Schunk Ingenieurkeramik GmbH
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