Silicon carbide

Silicon carbide

Silicon carbide sample.
Names
IUPAC name Silicon carbide
Other names Carborundum Moissanite
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES [C-]#[Si+]
Properties
Chemical formula	SiC
Molar mass	40.10 g/mol
Appearance	Black lustrous solid
Density	3.21 g/cm3
Melting point	2,730
Boiling point
Solubility in water	Insoluble
Hazards
Safety data sheet	ScienceLab
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Silicon carbide, also known as carborundum is a compound of silicon and carbon with chemical formula SiC, mainly used as an abrasive. Silicon carbide occurs naturally as the rare mineral moissanite.

Availability

In Alibaba - from chinese producers.

Preparation

Because of the rarity of natural moissanite, most silicon carbide is synthetic. It is used as an abrasive, and more recently as a semiconductor and diamond simulant of gem quality. The simplest manufacturing process is to combine silica sand and carbon in an Acheson graphite electric resistance furnace at a high temperature, between 1,600 °C (2,910 °F) and 2,500 °C (4,530 °F). Fine SiO2 particles in plant material (e.g. rice husks) can be converted to SiC by heating in the excess carbon from the organic material.[15] The silica fume, which is a byproduct of producing silicon metal and ferrosilicon alloys, also can be converted to SiC by heating with graphite at 1,500 °C (2,730 °F).

Projects

• Crucible

Handling

Safety

Silicon carbide is non-flammable and non-explosive.

Effects of Exposure: To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of silicon carbide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported. Silicon carbide is a nuisance dust capable of producing nonprogressive pulmonary fibrosis. Silicon carbide implants have caused tumors in laboratory animals.

Acute Effects: Inhalation: May cause irritation. Ingestion: No acute health effects recorded. Skin: May cause abrasive irritation. Eye: May cause abrasive irritation.

Chronic Effects: Inhalation: May cause pneumoconiosis. No other chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs: No target organs recorded. Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by

Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Microwave Kiln "Microkiln"
• SiC electrodes