Silicon Carbide Analysis and Usage

Introduction - Silicon Carbide

American inventor Edward G. Acheson discovered silicon carbide (SiC) in 1891 when he attempted to create artificial diamonds. He discovered that bright green crystals were formed while heating a mixture of powdered coke and clay in an iron bowl with an ordinary carbon arc-light acting as the electrodes. He named the new compound as ‘Carborundum,’ and applied for a US patent when he realized the significance of the new material, which approximated the hardness of diamond. His early product was used for polishing gems. The new compound, which is produced in large quantities from low-cost raw materials, soon became a key industrial abrasive.

Applications of SiC

SiC is exceedingly hard and was initially utilized as an abrasive. The synthetic crystalline compound of silicon and carbon has been used as a key material for cutting tools, grinding wheels and sandpapers since the late 19th century. More recently, the areas of application of SiC have been expanded, further thanks to its high endurance properties. SiC can be utilized to fabricate very hard ceramics by bonding grains of SiC together by sintering. These ceramics have found use in a myriad of applications, including refractory linings, car clutches, car brakes, in wear-resistant components for rocket engines and pumps, as heating elements for industrial furnaces, and even as ceramic plates for bulletproof vests. SiC has also found use in electronic applications, such as light emitting diodes and high-temperature/high-voltage semiconductor electronics.

Silicon Carbide Analysis

The Lely method is used for growing large single crystals of SiC. These large crystals are then cut down into gems called as ‘synthetic moissanite.’ SiO₂ found in plant material can be used to produce SiC with high surface area. Assessing the quality of SiC is a key step in the processing of SiC. LSM Analytical Services enables manufacturers to fulfill this requirement. The company provides a wide range of testing methods for material analysis. With one sample, the company delivers multi-faceted testing results.

The following are the tests performed by LSM Analytical Services for SiC analysis:

• Malvern size particle distribution
• XRD to detect different structures
• Combustion by LECO to analyze total C and total C as SiC
• XRF to identify all residuals, including Fe₂O₃, CaO, Al₂O₃

About LSM Analytical Services

LSM Analytical Services provide rapid, reliable analytical data at economical cost.

LSM Analytical Services offer you the service through our modern Rotherham laboratory. The following are available:-

• X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF)
• X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
• ICP Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• Carbon, Sulphur, Nitrogen, Oxygen Analysers
• Boron analysis by the Neutron Transmission method
• Colorimetric and Volumetric Analysis
• Particle Size Analysis
• Surface Area Analysis

For many years LSM has specialised in manufacture and analysis of ferroalloys, metal powders, aluminium master alloys and glass/plastic polishing compounds.

Our laboratory operates a computerised sample registration and reporting facility, which guarantees the confidentiality of our customer's results. This first class service is available to you at competitive rates. We offer a high-quality analytical service, with rapid turn-around times (24 hours a day, 6 days a week), on a comprehensive list of analytical programmes.

If your particular needs are not listed we will be glad to discuss your requirements. If you have an analytical problem, contact our Laboratory Business Manager or Sales Administrator at the Rotherham Laboratory who will be pleased to discuss it with you.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by LSM Analytical Services.

For more information on this source, please visit LSM Analytical Services.