What is silicone carbide?

Answer 1

Silicon Carbide (SiC) was originally produced by a high temperature electro-chemical reaction of sand and carbon.

Silicon Carbide, Chemical formulation "STM-3®"

Silicon carbide is an excellent surface protector. The material STM-3® has been developed into a high quality technical grade SiC with highly beneficial mechanical properties. It is used in various high-performance applications. Structural and wear applications are constantly developing and seemingly endless. Key properties of SiC / STM-3 include: low density, high strength, low thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity, high hardness, high elastic modulus, excellent thermal shock resistance, and superior chemical inertness. Typical uses of SiC are stationary or dynamic turbine components, seals, bearings, process equipment, engine components, custom coating for professional racing engines. Silicon carbide is composed of a tetrahedral structure of carbon and silicon atoms with strong bonds in a crystalline lattice. This produces a hardened, durable material. Silicon carbide does not react with any acids, alkalies or molten salts up to 800°C. In air, SiC forms a protective silicon oxide coating and can be used up to 1600°C. The high thermal conductivity coupled with low thermal expansion and superior strength create an exceptional material with thermal shock resistant qualities. Silicon carbide SiCs with little or no grain boundary impurities maintain their strength in very high temperatures approaching 1600°C.

Chemical purity, resistance to chemical attack at high temperatures, and strength retention at high temperatures has made this material very popular as a metal treatment. Although the process of producing and coating materials with SiC is normally very expensive and involves many steps to achieve the final product. Motor Works, Inc. has developed a new process for achieving the properties of SiC coatings in a simple one-time application. In 2001, Motor Works, Inc. along with its chief chemist John Murray set out to develop a simple chemical reaction to achieve SiC coatings. By utilizing the acids and carbon within the engine oil, Mr. Murray was able to create a SiC coating that is created within the engine without the expense of removing engine components and sending them to a coating shop to be coated with SiC baked coating. After more than 5 years of research and development, Motor Works, Inc. accomplished what was said to be impossible; SiC coatings that are created within the operating environment of the equipment being treated. Thus the equipment operator receives all the benefits of SiC coatings without the high cost.

Answer 2

Silicon carbide SiC is a diamond analogue used as the cutting surface of some tools (circular saw blades, for example).