Comparing it with diamond, silicon carbide (SiC) a ceramic material known for its lightweight and high-strength properties is as robust as a diamond.
Physical Properties of Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Silicon carbide possesses excellent thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion and acid resistance making it suitable for numerous applications. These features make it an ideal material for silicon carbide nozzle that need good erosion and abrasive resistance.
The different types of SiC have different properties depending on their mode of formation:
Recrystallized Silicon Carbide (ReSiC)
Sintered Silicon Carbide (SSiC)
Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide (RBSC)
Recrystallized Silicon Carbide (ReSiC)
Containing 99.5% SiC, ReSiC has a maximum working temperature of 1650°C. Surface density is 2.7 g/cm3 while porosity is less than 15%. Its flexural strength is approximately 110 MPa while compressive strength is more than 300 Mpa. The coefficient of thermal expansion and the thermal conductivity of ReSiC are 4.6 (1200°C) 10-6/°Cand35~36 W/m.K respectively. ReSiC’s main characteristics are high temperature and high resistance.
Sintered Silicon Carbide (SSiC)
Meanwhile, SSiC contains up to 98% SiC and can operate at a maximum temperature of 1550°C. Bulk density reaches up to 3.1g/cm3 while porosity remains at below 2.5%. The flexural strength of SSiS is about 400MPa, whereas the compressive strength goes beyond the range of two thousand Mpa respectively It has a thermal expansion coefficient of about 4.0 (<500°C)10-6/°C and the thermal conductivity of 110 W/m.K. Thus, SSiC is mostly about high purity and fracture toughness.
Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide (RBSC)
It has more than 88% SiC content and can withstand a maximum temperature of 1300°C. This material shows the highest bulk density greater than 3g/cm3 and a porosity less than 0.1%. Its flexural and compressive strengths are 380 MPa and 2100 MPa, respectively. Its expansion coefficient is about 4.4 (<500°C)10-6/°C while its thermal conductivity is about 65 W/m.K. Thus, RBSC’s major characteristic is chemical resistance.
Silicon Carbide Nozzle in Sandblasting
The liner material of the nozzle plays a significant role in determining its wear resistance during sandblasting. Silicon carbide is commonly used as a sandblasting nozzle material because it is resistant to impact damage and long-lasting. Although tungsten carbide nozzles have similar durability, silicon carbide nozzles are lighter, which makes them more comfortable for operators to use over extended periods.
Life Span of Silicon Carbide Nozzles
The life of a silicon carbide nozzle will depend on its type as well as the abrasive that it has been used with. For example, if such an abrasive were to be used in combination with expendable abrasives, then Clemlite® silicon-carbide-lined nozzles could last for approximately five hundred hours.
Silicon Carbide Nozzle Design
The designs of silicon carbide nozzle vary according to their applications. Contractor’s nozzles usually have aluminum threads or flanged designs while brass made threaded nozzles are termed as “1-1/4 inch” ones.
The Versatility of Silicon Carbide
This means that silicon carbide can be used not only in nozzles but also in other things. Some of its related products are silicon carbide plates, silicon carbide tubes and silicon carbide balls.
Choosing a Silicon Carbide Nozzle Manufacturer
When choosing a silicon carbide nozzle, it is vital to consider the reputation of the manufacturer. Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) offers high-quality sintered SiC, reaction-bonded SiC, and recrystallized SiC. They can also customize upon request thereby making them reliable suppliers for your needs of silicon carbide nozzles.
Conclusion
The silicon carbide nozzle with excellent thermal and physical properties can be used in a variety of applications where abrasion resistance and erosion are important. Sandblasting nozzles and other high-stress parts can take advantage of the material’s robustness as well as its lightweight structure and wear-resistant features.