Silicon carbide is an excellent material that is reshaping the future of multiple industries. Are you interested in this material? Read on to learn everything about silicon carbide.
Quick Links
- Introduction to Silicon Carbide
- Silicon Carbide Manufacturing Process
- Silicon Carbide Performance Characteristics
- Comparison of Silicon Carbide with Other Materials
- Uses of Silicon Carbide
- Future Prospects and Market Trends of Silicon Carbide Materials
- Silicon Carbide Buying Guide
If you don’t have time to read a lot of text, we have compiled some common questions from users for you, hoping to help you quickly!
Introduction to Silicon Carbide
Definition and Chemical Structure
The chemical formula of silicon carbide is SiC, which is composed of a silicon atom and a carbon atom precisely combined. People also call silicon carbide diamond and silicon carbide. It is a material with ultra-high hardness and high thermal conductivity.
Historical Discovery and Development
Are you curious about how silicon carbide was discovered? In 1891, American inventor Acheson accidentally discovered silicon carbide when he was trying to make diamonds in the laboratory.
Since its discovery, silicon carbide has undergone an important transformation from a simple grinding material to a high-tech semiconductor material. With the continuous improvement of manufacturing technology, the application field of silicon carbide is also expanding.
Natural and synthetic silicon carbide
You may wonder, does silicon carbide exist in nature? The answer is yes. Natural silicon carbide is mainly found in the rare mineral moissanite, but the content is very small. Currently, 99% of the silicon carbide you see on the market is artificially synthesized, which is a stable supply channel for silicon carbide.
Silicon Carbide Manufacturing Process
Traditional production methods
Lely method
Are you curious about how high-purity silicon carbide is produced? The Lely method is one of the most classic manufacturing methods.
1. Heat silicon carbide powder to 2700℃
2. Sublimate graphite in a crucible
3. Crystallize on a graphite rod at a lower temperature
The purity of silicon carbide crystals obtained by this method is very high, but the cost is also high.
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
CVD is the most commonly used method for preparing semiconductor-grade silicon carbide.
1. Introduce a special gas mixture into a vacuum environment
2. Make the gas react chemically on the substrate surface
3. Form a high-quality silicon carbide film
This method can accurately control the growth process of silicon carbide and is very suitable for large-scale production.
Modern manufacturing technology
With the advancement of modern science and technology, traditional processes have been improved, manufacturing costs have been greatly reduced, and the quality of silicon carbide obtained has become higher. The main improved technologies are in two aspects.
1. Use an improved temperature control system
The temperature can be accurate to 1°C, which is more accurate;
Multi-segment temperature gradient control can be used, which is more efficient and reasonable;
With real-time temperature detection and feedback, it can ensure that the crystal growth process is more uniform and stable.
2. Introduce intelligent automation control
Use AI to assist production control
Use robots for crystal pulling
After experience testing by many manufacturers, the production efficiency has increased by 300% and the defect rate has decreased by 50% compared with traditional processes
3. New growth technology
Physical vapor transport (PVT)
Continuous feed sublimation method
Improved Lely method
Through the improvement of modern technology, you can get higher quality silicon carbide at a more favorable price. So far, the manufacturing cost of the market has dropped by 40% compared with 5 years ago, and the quality has doubled!
Quality Control and Standards
In the production process, quality control is crucial. Are you curious about what kind of silicon carbide is good? What quality control does high-quality silicon carbide go through during the production process?
Crystal quality inspection
X-ray diffraction analysis;
Microscopic observation of crystal orientation;
Dislocation density test results show that the defect density must be less than 1/cm2
Purity test
Chemical composition analysis;
Impurity content test;
Atomic spectrum analysis. If it is semiconductor-grade silicon carbide, the purity must reach 99.9999%
Performance verification
Breakdown voltage test
Carrier mobility test
Test whether the thermal conductivity meets the standard
International standard certification
SEMI standard
JEDEC certification
ISO 9001 quality system to ensure product quality
Through these strict quality assurances, you can ensure that the silicon carbide you receive is of high quality. Did you know that high-quality silicon carbide products can only enter the market after passing all tests?
Silicon Carbide Performance Characteristics
Mechanical strength
Silicon carbide is second only to diamond in hardness, making it a very hard material, which is why you can find it in a variety of cutting tools.
Mohs hardness 9.5
Compressive strength 2900MPa
Flexural strength 550MPa
Thermal conductivity
Silicon carbide also performs well in heat dissipation, and it is an effective material for dissipating heat from your electronic devices.
Thermal conductivity 120-270 W/mK
Thermal expansion coefficient 4.0×10^-6/°C
Electrical properties
Silicon carbide is also an excellent semiconductor material with unique advantages.
High breakdown voltage (10 times that of silicon)
Low on-resistance
High frequency working capability
Chemical stability
Silicon carbide is chemically very stable and not easily corroded, making it very suitable for some chemical applications.
Acid and alkali corrosion resistance
Strong oxidation resistance
Good chemical inertness
Corrosion resistance
In harsh environments, silicon carbide still performs well. It has excellent corrosion resistance and long service life.
High temperature corrosion resistance
Chemical corrosion resistance
Strong wear resistance
Semiconductor properties
By doping, you can get different types of semiconductors:
N-type: doped with nitrogen or phosphorus
P-type: doped with boron or aluminum
Comparison of Silicon Carbide with Other Materials
Silicon Carbide vs Silicon
Compared with traditional silicon materials, silicon carbide has the following advantages:
Three times the bandgap width
10 times higher breakdown voltage
Higher operating temperature
Similarly, silicon carbide also has disadvantages:
production costs are 3-5 times higher;
wafer defect rates are higher;
processing technology is more complicated
Silicon Carbide vs Aluminum Oxide
Compared with alumina, which is also a ceramic material, it has the following advantages:
Higher thermal conductivity
Better electrical conductivity
Stronger high temperature resistance
Compared with aluminum oxide, silicon carbide has the following disadvantages:
Higher cost
More difficult to process
More demanding manufacturing process requirements
Learn more: Silicon Carbide vs Aluminum Oxide
Silicon Carbide vs Gallium Nitride
Compared with gallium nitride, the advantages of silicon carbide are as follows:
Better heat dissipation performance
More mature technology
Higher reliability
In comparison, the disadvantages of silicon carbide are:
Poor high-frequency performance
Larger volume
Uses of Silicon Carbide
Traditional Industrial Applications
Traditional applications have laid a solid market foundation for silicon carbide. Did you know that more than 60% of silicon carbide is used in these traditional fields every year? Whether it is cutting tools, refractory materials, or automotive parts, silicon carbide can be seen in many common applications in daily life, thanks to its excellent performance and durability.
Abrasives and cutting tools
In traditional industrial applications, silicon carbide is the most widely used in the field of abrasives. Every year, 40% of the world’s silicon carbide is used for abrasive manufacturing. It has high hardness and sharp cutting edges. It is an indispensable material in the grinding and cutting industry. If you are choosing a suitable cutting tool, silicon carbide is the material you can give priority to!
- Sandpaper manufacturing
Black silicon carbide is suitable for grinding hard materials such as glass, ceramics and other materials
Green silicon carbide is suitable for precision polishing to create a perfect surface finish
- Abrasive tool production
Manufacturing of grinding wheels and discs
High-precision grinding tools
- Sandblasting
Hard metal surface treatment
Hard stone surface processing
Refractory materials
Silicon carbide has excellent high temperature resistance. Many high temperature industries cannot do without silicon carbide. According to empirical statistics, the service life of silicon carbide is 3 times that of ordinary refractory materials. It can effectively help you save costs.
- Metallurgical industry
Blast furnace lining
Smelting crucible
Refractory bricks
- Heat treatment equipment
Annealing furnace parts
High temperature furnace tubes
- Heating elements
Kiln components
Roller kiln accessories
Sintering furnace parts
Automotive parts
Many properties of silicon carbide meet the needs of modern automobiles and are widely used as important automotive parts. Using silicon carbide as a part can increase its life by about 50%.
- Braking system
Brake pad material
Brake disc coating
Clutch plate
- Engine parts
Mechanical seals
Bearing materials
Piston rings
- Transmission system
Gear coating
Gearbox components
Jewelry and decorative uses
You may not think that silicon carbide can also be made into artificial gemstones as a substitute for diamonds. Its price is only 1/10 of that of diamonds, but its hardness is close to that of diamonds. It is a cheap substitute for diamonds in some applications.
- Artificial gemstones
Moissanite jewelry
Cutting and processing
Surface treatment
- High-end decorations
Watch faces
Jewelry inlays
Artwork production
Advanced technology applications
Advanced technology applications
In addition to traditional industries, silicon carbide can also be used in some advanced technology fields, such as the semiconductor industry, electric vehicles, military aerospace, etc. Silicon carbide is developing rapidly in these industries, with an annual market growth rate of more than 35%. Does your industry also benefit from silicon carbide technology? Below we will give you a detailed introduction to the applications and advantages of silicon carbide in these industries.
Semiconductor Industry
Did you know? Silicon carbide is quietly changing the entire semiconductor industry。
Power electronics — a new generation of power devices:
- Power MOSFET
Breakdown voltage exceeds 10kV
Conduction loss reduced by 50%
Switching frequency increased by 10 times
- Schottky diode
Small reverse leakage current
Fast switching speed
Good temperature stability
- Power module
Volume reduced by 300%
Efficiency increased by 30%
Excellent heat dissipation performance
High temperature electronics — the best choice for extreme environments:
- Aerospace
Engine control systems
Flight controllers
Sensor modules
- Industrial applications
Deep well drilling equipment
High temperature sensors
Industrial furnace control, the operating temperature can reach 400℃, and its life span is 3 times that of traditional devices.
The electric car revolution
Power conversion system — effectively improve the performance of electric vehicles:
- Main drive inverter
Efficiency increased to 99%
Volume reduced by 60%
Weight reduced by 50%
- DC-DC converter
Power density doubled
Heat generation reduced by half
Reliability improved
- On-board charger
Charging speed increased by 40%
Miniaturized design
Heat dissipation optimized
Battery management — intelligent management system:
- Battery protection
Overcharge protection
Over discharge protection
Temperature monitoring
- Energy optimization
Balanced charging
Efficiency improvement
Life extension
Renewable Energy
Solar inverter — the core of photovoltaic power generation:
- Grid-connected system
Conversion efficiency 99%
Volume reduction 50%
Optimized heat dissipation performance
- Off-grid system
Improved stability
Reduced maintenance costs
Extended service life
Wind power generation — high power application:
- Converter
Increased power density
Enhanced reliability
Optimized efficiency
- Grid-connected equipment
Good grid adaptability
Low harmonic content
High control accuracy
Military and Aerospace
Armor Systems — A new generation of protection:
- Lightweight armor
40% lighter
Improved protection
Cost-effective
- Composite armor
Multi-layer protection
Strong impact resistance
Easy maintenance
Future Prospects and Market Trends of Silicon Carbide Materials
As an excellent advanced material, silicon carbide has shown great potential and value in more and more fields. Whether from 5G to new energy, or from environmental protection goals to manufacturing process innovation, silicon carbide is ushering in a golden period of development in modern times. We will analyze and discuss its future development prospects and market trends for you from multiple dimensions.
Emerging Applications
Silicon carbide is constantly exploring new applications in emerging fields, and its various advantages are recognized by many high-tech fields. According to market research institutions, by 2025, the size of the silicon carbide-related market will exceed US$5 billion. If the opportunity is seized, it will become a key driving force for many industries.
6G communication equipment:
Silicon carbide’s high frequency and high power performance are very suitable for 6G base station core components. It is one of the ideal materials and can bring higher speeds and lower latency.
Smart grid:
In power electronics applications, silicon carbide devices effectively reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency and stability of power systems, which greatly promotes the popularization of smart grids.
Quantum computing:
SiC crystals are expected to become a hot research material in the field of quantum computing because of their extraordinary potential in applications in quantum dots and spin qubits.
Market growth forecast
Silicon carbide is showing an unprecedented strong growth trend in the market. The following is the data we have collected for your reference:
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 35%: Demand is surging, especially in areas such as power electronics, automobiles and new energy.
Electric vehicle market: Silicon carbide devices can provide significant energy efficiency and endurance for electric vehicles, and its market share is predicted to double in the next five years.
Demand for new energy: With the development of new energy, the demand for high-efficiency power conversion devices in wind and solar power generation equipment is increasing, which has promoted the popularization of silicon carbide, brought opportunities to investors, and further established the position of silicon carbide materials in emerging technologies.
Research and Development
Innovation is the core driving force for the development of silicon carbide. Global research and development continues to increase, especially in the following aspects:
Emerging manufacturing processes: such as low-cost large-scale single-crystal silicon carbide growth technology, which can promote the large-scale application of silicon carbide materials.
Improved material performance: Nanostructure optimization and doping process improvements can further enhance the stability of silicon carbide in extreme environments such as high temperature and high pressure.
Costs continue to decline: With the continuous advancement of production technology, the manufacturing cost of silicon carbide is decreasing year by year, which provides a solid foundation for more extensive commercial applications.
Environmental impact
Silicon carbide is a relatively green material and is of great significance to the global green development. If you are an environmentalist, the following data is what you want to see:
Reduce energy loss by 30%: Compared with traditional silicon-based materials, some devices made of silicon carbide have greater advantages in energy conversion efficiency.
Reduce carbon emissions by 40%: Silicon carbide reduces a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions through its application in electric vehicles, smart grids and other fields.
Improve resource utilization: The high efficiency of silicon carbide can improve the unit resource utilization of equipment and save costs, which also makes silicon carbide an important driving force for the global carbon neutrality goal.
Cost analysis and economic benefits
Silicon carbide not only has excellent technical performance, but also has a significant effect on economic benefits. This is the experience gained by a company after using silicon carbide devices:
Equipment life is extended by 50%: The durability of silicon carbide greatly reduces the frequency of equipment replacement.
Operation cost is reduced by 25%: Due to the reduction of energy loss and the improvement of efficiency, the overall operation cost of the equipment is reduced.
Silicon carbide materials not only have excellent technical performance, but also have significant economic benefits.
System efficiency is improved by 35%: Whether it is power transmission or industrial automation, silicon carbide materials can significantly improve the efficiency of the system.
Silicon Carbide Buying Guide
In order to help you choose the most suitable silicon carbide products for your industry, we have prepared the following comprehensive purchasing quality for you, from selection standards to quality certification, to help you choose the most suitable product for yourself.
Selection criteria
When purchasing silicon carbide products, you can focus on the following core standards.
Purity grade requirements:
High purity (>99%), suitable for high-tech fields such as semiconductors and electronics.
Medium and low purity, mainly used in industrial applications such as refractory materials and abrasives.
Working temperature range:
You need to choose the most suitable high temperature resistant silicon carbide product according to your specific application.
Industrial heating equipment needs to withstand temperatures up to 2000℃.
Automobiles and electronic equipment need the stability of frequent switching between high temperature and normal temperature.
Application scenario matching:
You also need to choose the material form of silicon carbide according to the specific application scenario, for example:
Abrasive: granular silicon carbide.
Refractory material: block or brick-shaped silicon carbide ceramics.
Semiconductor: high-purity single crystal silicon carbide.
Quality Standards
High-quality silicon carbide products must comply with the following industry standard certifications, which you can refer to:
ISO 9001 certification: indicates that the supplier has a quality management system to ensure that the production process is controllable.
Automotive AEC-Q101: ensures the reliability of silicon carbide products in the automotive field. This standard is suitable for electric vehicles and other high-demand environments.
Material specification standards: such as ASTM standards or internal company standards to ensure that silicon carbide performance meets expectations.
Cost considerations
Cost price is one of the issues that consumers are most concerned about. As a decision maker, you need to not only pay attention to the initial price of the product, but also consider the following factors:
Initial purchase cost:
Choose the appropriate product grade according to your budget (e.g. high-purity silicon carbide is more expensive, if you only have ordinary applications, you can use medium-purity silicon carbide with a higher cost-effectiveness)
Life cycle:
High-quality silicon carbide will have a longer service life, which can effectively reduce the frequency of your replacement.
Using products with long lifespans reduces your costs to a certain extent.
Maintenance costs:
Silicon carbide may wear to varying degrees after long-term use. If you choose silicon carbide products with good wear resistance, you can significantly reduce maintenance costs.
High-quality silicon carbide products have better stability under high temperature and high pressure conditions, which can reduce unexpected losses.
Summarize
After reading this article, you will have a good understanding of silicon carbide, from its performance to its uses to how to buy it. I hope this comprehensive guide can help you.
FAQs.
1. Which Is Harder: Silicon Carbide or Aluminum Oxide?
Silicon carbide is harder, with a Mohs hardness of 9.5, while aluminum oxide has a Mohs hardness of 9.0. However, silicon carbide is more expensive, and aluminum oxide is the first choice for some grinding applications with low hardness.
Recommended articles for you to learn more: Silicon carbide VS aluminum oxide
2. What Materials Can Silicon Carbide Sandpaper Sand?
Silicon carbide sandpaper is suitable for a wide range of materials:
Hard materials: glass, stone, ceramics, alloys
Non-ferrous metals: aluminum, brass, copper
Modern composite materials: fiberglass, carbon fiber
Finishing between coatings: paint, varnish
3. How Conductive Is Silicon Carbide?
The conductivity of silicon carbide changes with doping and temperature:
Intrinsic conductivity: semi-insulating
N-type doping: 600-800 S/cm
P-type doping: 300-500 S/cm
Temperature coefficient: positive (conductivity increases with increasing temperature)
4. What Is The Melting Point of Silicon Carbide?
Silicon carbide does not melt, but it decomposes:
Decomposition temperature: 2730°C (4946°F)
Sublimation temperature: 1800°C (3272°F)
Using limit temperature: 1600°C (2912°F)
5. What Is The Density of Silicon Carbide Crystal?
Pure SiC: 3.21 g/cm³
Commercial grade: 3.10-3.25 g/cm³
Sintered SiC: 2.98-3.15 g/cm³
Lower density can be preferred for lightweight applications
6. What Are The Common Uses of Silicon Carbide in Daily Life?
Silicon carbide is used in daily life in the following ways:
Kitchen: non-stick cookware coating
Automotive: brake pads and clutch plates
Home maintenance: sandpaper and grinding wheels
Electronics: smartphones and LED lighting
Jewelry: moissanite gemstones
7. What Is The Difference Between Silicon Carbide and Carbide?
The main differences between silicon carbide and other carbides are as follows:
Silicon carbide (SiC): a specific compound of silicon and carbon
Carbide: a general term for any carbon compound containing a less electronegative element
Tungsten carbide, titanium carbide and silicon carbide are all different types of carbides, each of which has unique properties and applications
8. How Much Does Silicon Carbide Cost?
We will provide you with the current market price reference in 2024:
Wafer: $500-1500 per 6-inch wafer
Power device: 3-5 times silicon equivalent
Abrasive grade: $2-5 per pound
High purity powder: $100-300 per kilogram, the price may change according to the quality and quantity you choose
9. What Is The Manufacturing Process For Silicon Carbide Wafers?
The key production steps are as follows:
Crystal growth: modified Lely method or CVD
Wafer cutting: diamond wire saw
Surface treatment: grinding and polishing
Quality control: X-ray analysis and defect inspection. This production cycle usually takes 2-3 weeks.
10. What Are The Advantages of Silicon Carbide Semiconductors?
Compared with traditional semiconductors, the main advantages of silicon carbide are as follows:
Higher operating temperature than traditional semiconductors, up to 400°C
10 times higher breakdown voltage
3 times higher band gap
Lower switching losses
Better thermal conductivity
11. What Are The Applications of Silicon Carbide Fibers?
Silicon carbide fibers can be used in a variety of applications:
Aerospace composites: engine components
Nuclear applications: fuel rod cladding
High temperature filters: industrial processes
Thermal protection: heat shields
Structural reinforcement: advanced ceramics
12. How To Identify The Quality of Silicon Carbide?
The quality indicators of silicon carbide are as follows:
Color: The darker the color of silicon carbide, the higher the impurity content
Crystal structure: single crystal and polycrystalline
Electrical properties: resistivity measurement
Purity level: semiconductor grade is 99.9999%
Surface defects: visual inspection under a microscope
13. What Is The Thermal Conductivity of Silicon Carbide?
The thermal conductivity of high-purity silicon carbide is 120-270 W/mK.