Everything About Sintered Silicon Carbide

Sintered silicon carbide, also known as self-sintered silicon carbide is the one that has no silica in it. It is produced by blending fine silicon carbide powder with the non-oxide sintering aids. Isostatic pressing, die pressing and injection moulding is used to form the powdered material. After the forming stage, the particles are sintered at very high temperatures of up to 2000�C.

The sintered silicon carbide has several key properties that differentiate it from the others.

• The density of the sintered carborundum is approximately the same as aluminium. It has a very low density of about 40 percent of steel.

• The sintered silicon has a great resistance to wear and tear in rather abrasive environments

• It is very hard and comes second after diamond

• It has a great resistance to corrosion in most environments of chemical

• The sintered silicon carbide has a rather low porosity

• It has an excellent thermal conductor and has a low thermal expansion meaning it provides resistance to thermal shocks.

Being a thermal conductor, it is one of the most used materials for making the design of mechanical seal face. It is hence used in hot oil applications and very hot water.

The sintered silicon carbide is used in radial or axial slide bearings, valving, face seals for gas, oil chemical pumps, and in equipment like dies and nozzles.

Applications of the sintered silicon carbide

Armour

The sintered carborundum is known for its low specific density that makes it appropriate to be used where there is a critical need of weight requirements. The material is known to perform efficiently as a ceramic material in the manufacturing of armour protection systems. The compressive strength, high hardness and elastic modulus provides it superior capability.

Heat Exchanger Tubes

The sintered carborundum tubes are used in the chemical process industry in the tube heat exchangers and shells. The tubes are approximately over four metres in length that are used in these applications.

Paper industry applications

The sintered carborundum is known for its good resistance to wear and corrosion. The material is known to have a hard surface that can be given highly smooth and polished finishes. This finish provides excellent compatibility with the forming fabrics and the coefficients of friction.

Process Industry Valve Application

The excellent resistance to corrosion of the material makes it great to be used for valve applications. HF acid handling, rare earth processing and slurry flashing too use the material's valve components.

To know more about reaction bonded Silicon Carbide, please check our website.


 By Achal Mehrotra


Article Source: Everything About Sintered Silicon Carbide