Silicon Carbide Whiskers Description
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Whiskers are single-crystal fibers known for their exceptional properties, making them highly valuable in advanced applications. They possess extremely high tensile strength, often exceeding 10 GPa, and a high modulus of elasticity around 450 GPa, providing excellent stiffness and resistance to deformation. With a hardness of about 9.5 on the Mohs scale, they are highly effective in abrasive applications and for reinforcing composites. SiC whiskers also have high thermal conductivity (120-200 W/m·K) and maintain stability up to 1600°C in air, even higher in inert atmospheres, making them suitable for high-temperature uses. Their chemical inertness ensures durability in corrosive environments, while their low density (about 3.2 g/cm³) contributes to lightweight, high-strength composites. Additionally, they exhibit semiconducting properties, useful in electronic applications, and have a high aspect ratio that enhances their reinforcing capabilities. The combination of high strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance, and oxidation resistance makes SiC whiskers ideal for reinforcing aerospace and automotive components, cutting tools, wear-resistant coatings, high-temperature structural materials, and thermal management in electronics.
Silicon Carbide Whiskers Specification
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Chemical formula
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SiC
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Crystal Structure
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β-type
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Diameter (μm)
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0.45~0.65
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Length (μm)
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5~80
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Density (g/cm3)
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3.2
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Free carbon (％)
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0.05~0.30
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SiO2 (％)
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0.35~0.75
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Silicon Carbide Whiskers Application
- Reinforcement materials for hard ceramics used in cutting tools
- For wear-resistant applications
- For cooking and industrial heating
- Reinforcement materials for plastics
Silicon Carbide Whiskers Packaging
Our Silicon Carbide Whiskers are carefully handled during storage and transportation to preserve the quality of our product in its original condition.
Silicon Carbide Whiskers FAQs
Q1: Why are silicon carbide whiskers used as reinforcement in composites?
A: Silicon carbide whiskers enhance the mechanical properties of composites by significantly increasing their strength, toughness, and wear resistance. They improve the performance of the base materials, making them suitable for high-stress and high-temperature applications.
Q2: How are silicon carbide whiskers produced?
A: Silicon carbide whiskers are typically produced through methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process, or by thermal decomposition of silicon-containing compounds in the presence of carbon sources.
Q3: What are the considerations for handling and storing silicon carbide whiskers?
A: Silicon carbide whiskers should be handled with care to avoid inhalation, as fine whiskers can pose respiratory hazards. Proper protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, should be used. They should be stored in a dry, cool environment to prevent contamination and degradation.
