Silicon Carbide (SiC) Micro Powder is an ultra-fine, synthetic crystalline abrasive material produced by fusing silica sand (SiO₂) and high-purity carbon (coke) in an electric resistance furnace at temperatures above 2,500°C. It exists in two primary industrial grades—Black Silicon Carbide (C), and Green Silicon Carbide (GC)—both composed of alpha-SiC (hexagonal crystal structure) with a Mohs hardness of 9.2.
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Micro Powder is an ultra-fine, synthetic crystalline abrasive material produced by fusing silica sand (SiO₂) and high-purity carbon (coke) in an electric resistance furnace at temperatures above 2,500°C. It exists in two primary industrial grades—Black Silicon Carbide (C), and Green Silicon Carbide (GC)—both composed of alpha-SiC (hexagonal crystal structure) with a Mohs hardness of 9.2. While chemically identical (SiC), their microstructural differences, purity levels, and coloration (resulting from manufacturing conditions and impurities) make them suited for distinct precision applications. Particle sizes for micro powder grades typically range from 0.1 μm to 20 μm, with tight distribution control for advanced polishing and coating uses.
Black Silicon Carbide Micro Powder is the more cost-effective, tough grade of SiC, characterized by its deep black to dark gray color. The coloration stems from higher levels of residual free carbon (~0.5–1.0%) and trace iron impurities, which also contribute to its superior thermal conductivity and fracture toughness compared to the green grade.
• Purity & Chemistry: 95%–98% SiC purity. Contains residual free carbon, iron, and silica impurities.
• Morphology: Sharp, angular, and slightly porous crystalline particles with a more irregular fracture pattern, providing high toughness and resistance to chipping during abrasive use.
• Thermal Conductivity: Exceptionally high (80–100 W/m·K), even in micro powder form.
• Electrical Conductivity: Semiconducting (higher than green SiC due to impurities), suitable for conductive composites.
• Hardness: Slightly lower microhardness (Vickers: 2,800–3,200 HV) than green SiC but significantly higher toughness.
1. Precision Grinding of Non-Ferrous Metals: Ideal for lapping and polishing cast iron, brass, aluminum, and copper alloys. Its toughness prevents grain fracturing when grinding soft, ductile materials.
2. Wear-Resistant Coatings: Used as an additive in thermal spray coatings (HVOF) and polymer composites for pump seals, impellers, and cylinder liners, providing excellent erosion resistance.
3. Refractory & Ceramic Additives: Added to refractory bricks and kiln furniture for high thermal shock resistance and thermal conductivity.
4. Lapping of Glass & Stone: Cost-effective micro powder for producing fine finishes on architectural glass, granite, and marble.
5. Metallurgical Applications: As a deoxidizer and recarburizer in steelmaking (ultra-fine grades) and as a conductive filler in lithium-ion battery anodes.
Green Silicon Carbide Micro Powder is the high-purity, premium grade of SiC, recognized by its distinctive emerald-green color. It is produced in electric furnaces with stricter control over raw materials (using high-purity quartz and petroleum coke) and cooling rates, resulting in minimal impurities and a more perfect crystalline structure. It is the preferred choice for ultra-precision surface finishing.
• Purity & Chemistry: 99%–99.5% SiC purity. Virtually free of free carbon and iron impurities.
• Morphology: Sharp, regular, and dense crystalline particles with a well-defined hexagonal structure. The grains are harder and more brittle, fracturing into sharp, new cutting edges under load (self-sharpening).
• Hardness: Higher microhardness (Vickers: 3,200–3,500 HV) than black SiC, approaching that of boron carbide.
• Chemical Inertness: Superior resistance to acids and alkalis compared to black SiC.
• Insulating Properties: More electrically insulating (higher resistivity) due to low impurity levels.
1. Ultra-Precision Polishing of Hard Materials: The gold standard for polishing tungsten carbide, ceramics (Al₂O₃, ZrO₂), sapphire, and silicon wafers. It produces mirror-like finishes with surface roughness (Ra) <0.02 μm.
2. Semiconductor Manufacturing: Critical component in CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) slurries for polishing silicon wafers and III-V compound semiconductors (GaAs, InP).
3. Grinding of Hardened Steel & Tool Steels: Used for lapping cutting tools, drills, and bearing steels where a high-precision, burr-free finish is required.
4. Optical Component Finishing: Polishing lenses, prisms, and laser components (e.g., Nd:YAG crystals) due to its ability to remove material without introducing subsurface damage.
5. Advanced Ceramics: As a sintering aid and raw material for producing high-purity SiC ceramics for aerospace and electronics.
• Health & Safety: Silicon Carbide Micro Powder is non-toxic but is a nuisance dust. Inhalation of fine particles can cause respiratory irritation. Handle in a well-ventilated area with N95/P100 respirators and safety goggles. Avoid contact with skin to prevent dryness.
• Storage: Store in airtight, moisture-proof containers (HDPE drums or bags) in a dry, cool warehouse. Both grades are hydrophobic and do not absorb moisture readily, but clumping can occur if exposed to high humidity due to surface adsorption.
• Compatibility: Chemically inert at room temperature. Avoid contact with strong alkalis (e.g., molten NaOH) at high temperatures, as SiC will react to form silicates.
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