Silicon carbide, commonly known as carborundum, is a versatile and durable material that can be used in various fields, including automotive, electronics, etc.
It is hard and contains carbon and silicon. Additionally, Silicon carbide occurs in nature as moissanite and can be used in the following ways.
Used for Powering Electric Vehicles
One of the major applications of silicon carbide you need to know, is in the automotive industry, especially in electric vehicles. This chemical compound is hard and, therefore, can withstand high temperatures and voltages, making it suitable for use in electric vehicles.
Similarly, the incorporation of silicon carbide-based inverters and power modules improves power efficiency and lowers energy loss during power conversion. This practice facilitates the improvement of battery performance, durable driving range, and more convenient charging systems.
The above features of silicon carbide have prompted the leading electric vehicle manufacturers to adopt SiC technology to improve their vehicles’ performance.
Used in Abrasives and Cutting Tools
Silicon carbide is used in abrasive and cutting tools because it is durable and affordable. Similarly, its hardness makes it fit to be used in manufacturing processes such as;
· Honing
· Grinding
· Sandblasting
· Water-jet cutting
Typically, the hardness of silicon carbide ensures that the abrasive products produced are long-lasting and offer impeccable performance even under harsh conditions.
Therefore, due to its hard chemical compound, silicon carbide can be used in metalworking, construction, and manufacturing, where durability and precision are highly esteemed.
Silicon Carbide is Used to Manufacture Bulletproof Armor
Silicon carbide’s hardness and lightweight properties make it the best material for bulletproof armor production. This compound is also used to create protective panels and plates for the military; due to its hardness, military protective gear made from this compound can bear high-velocity projectiles while maintaining a manageable weight.
This feature offers excellent protection without altering any movement. Thus, silicon carbide is used in the manufacturing of bulletproof armor to enhance the safety and efficacy of military armor.
Used in Semiconductors
Silicon carbide is a robust semiconductor material that is much better than traditional silicon. Generally, this chemical compound becomes the best semiconductor when dopants are added to it.
Dopants include aluminium and boron, usually added to silicon carbide to make them p-type semiconductors. Conversely, the addition of other dopants, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, can turn silicon carbide into an n-type semiconductor. An n-type semiconductor means there is an excess of electron charge carriers, whereas a p-type semiconductor results in an increase of the positive charge.
These features enable silicon carbide semiconductors to function very well at higher voltages and temperatures, making them suitable for high-power industry applications. SiC semiconductors are found in power electronic devices such as transistors and diodes.
Silicon Carbide is Used in LEDs and Optoelectronics
Did you know the first set of LEDs to be produced used silicon carbide technology? LEDs and optoelectronics greatly benefit from SiC properties, which means silicon carbide plays a pivotal role in manufacturing LEDs and other optoelectronic devices.
Initially, silicon carbide produced mainly weak blue light rather than multiple colors, which is common in everyday life applications. Conversely, LED lights are widely used in computers, display boards and televisions.
Silicon carbide’s core function is to boost power output and stability, making it a major component in LED applications that require high power and brightness.
Used to Produce Advanced Ceramics
Another core use of silicon carbide is the production of advanced ceramics. This compound is designed to withstand high temperatures and resist chemicals, making it the most suitable for creating advanced ceramic materials.
Ceramic materials created using silicon carbide can typically withstand extreme environments, making them long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. Therefore, some advanced silicon carbide ceramics can be used in applications such as kiln furniture and chemical processing plants where a high-temperature furnace is needed.
Silicon Carbide is Used in Refractory Materials
Additionally, silicon carbide excels in refractory applications because of its amazing chemical and thermal stability. Its sturdy properties enable it to be used in the construction of linings for reactors, kilns, and furnaces that require high temperatures to operate.
Therefore, some of SiC’s properties, including its ability to withstand thermal shocks and resistance to chemical erosion, make it a good fit for industry applications such as glass manufacturing and metal smelting.
If you want to extend the lifespan of your refractory materials and improve their general performance, you must add silicon carbide to keep their integrity intact.
Silicon Carbide Used in Jewelry
Structurally, silicon carbide resembles diamonds. However, it is more lustrous, long-lasting, lighter, and cheaper than diamonds. Therefore, this compound has paved its way into the jewellery industry due to these features.
Silicon carbide, commercially known as moissanite, has become renowned in the jewelry space. Moissanite is long-lasting and brilliant, making it a sought-after compound in jewelry.
Generally, this compound is designed with a more refractive index than diamonds, leading to more play of light and sparkle that many people find attractive.
Final Thoughts
Silicon carbide is an all-around and durable material with a wide range of applications, such as powering electric vehicles and jewelry applications, used in LED lighting, producing advanced ceramics and as a semiconductor.
Conversely, its unique properties, such as toughness, lightweight, and thermal and chemical stability, permit it to be used in applications requiring high temperatures. Therefore, any industry professional looking forward to engaging in high-power and voltage projects might find silicon carbide helpful.