Silicon carbide comes in various crystalline structures, known as polytypes. Alpha sic is its most prevalent polytype with hexagonal crystal structure similar to that found in wurtzite; beta modification with zinc blende crystal structure may be less frequent yet still has some commercial applications.
Beta’s cubic microstructure makes it ideal for some applications and makes sintering easier than with alpha.
It’s electrically conductive
Porous silicon carbide (porous SiC)’s electrical conductivity depends on several variables. These include its porosity, SiC polytype and physical state as well as any second phase additives added after sintering which could significantly influence resistivity levels. Sintering processes also play an important role in its electrical conductivity.
Silicon carbide typically appears as alpha silicon carbide (a-SiC). This form can be distinguished by its hexagonal crystal structure resembling that of wurtzite and forms at temperatures above 1700 degC. Other polymorphs of silicon carbide may exist such as beta (b-SiC) and mullite-bonded SiC; beta being distinguished by a cubic zinc blende crystal structure and possessing slightly reduced hardness than that of boron carbide.
Hexoloy SP SiC is a sintered, pressure-less form of alpha silicon carbide that has been engineered to perform effectively in sliding contact applications such as mechanical seal faces and product lubricated bearings. The material’s unique spherical pores act as reservoirs for fluid or lubricant reservoirs to help minimize friction between components.
Hexoloy SP SiC not only improves performance of these materials, but is also capable of providing superior corrosion resistance and high temperature stability. Due to its chemical purity and engineered microstructure design, hexoloy SP SiC makes for an ideal material in numerous applications; particularly well suited to corrosion applications in reducing/oxidizing environments as it has the highest chemical resistance rating among industrial ceramics.
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