Abrasive · Refractory · Metallurgical Grades

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

碳化硅 · Carborundum · Black & Green SiC

Mohs 9.5 · Hardest common industrial abrasive after diamond

Silicon carbide is produced in an Acheson furnace from silica sand and petroleum coke. With a hardness of Mohs 9.5, high thermal conductivity and chemical inertness, SiC serves three industries at once: abrasives, refractories and metallurgy.

At a Glance

Black SiC≥ 97%
Green SiC≥ 99%
HardnessMohs 9.5
GritsF12–F1500 + 0–10mm
FOB China$700–1100 / MT
OriginNingxia / Gansu / Qinghai

Product Overview

Silicon carbide (SiC), historically called carborundum, is one of the most versatile synthetic minerals in industry. Produced by reacting silica sand with petroleum coke at ~2000 °C in an Acheson furnace, it forms hard (Mohs 9.5), sharp, thermally conductive and chemically inert crystals.

Two grades dominate. Black SiC (≥ 97%) is tougher and used for abrasives on non-ferrous metals, stone and ceramics, and as a refractory and metallurgical material. Green SiC (≥ 99%) is purer and more friable, preferred for precision grinding of carbide tooling, semiconductor/PV wire-sawing and fine technical ceramics.

In metallurgy, SiC briquettes act as a combined deoxidizer and carbon/silicon source in steelmaking and foundry ladles — an efficient alternative to separate ferrosilicon and carbon additions. Global Vista supplies abrasive, refractory and metallurgical SiC from smelters in Ningxia, Gansu and Qinghai.

Technical Specifications

ParameterTypical / Guaranteed Value
Black SiC Content≥ 97% (88/90/92% metallurgical grades)
Green SiC Content≥ 98.5–99.5%
Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃)≤ 0.5%
Free Carbon≤ 0.3%
Free Silicon≤ 0.3%
HardnessMohs 9.5 (~2800 Knoop)
Density3.18–3.21 g/cm³
Standard GritsFEPA F12–F1500, micro-powder
Metallurgical Sizes0–10mm lump, briquettes
Max Service Temp.~1600 °C (oxidising)

* Values are indicative typical/guaranteed figures and can be tailored to your specification. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is delivered with every shipment; third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek / CIQ) available on request.

Grades & Sizes

Black F12–F220

Abrasive (coarse)

Grinding wheels, cutting discs and blasting for non-ferrous metal, stone and glass.

Common: abrasives

Green F230–F1500

Precision

Carbide tool grinding, lapping, PV/semiconductor wire-sawing and fine ceramics.

Common: precision / PV

0–10mm Refractory

Refractory

Castables, kiln furniture, crucibles, DPF supports and saggers.

Common: refractories

88/90/92% Briquettes

Metallurgical

Combined deoxidizer + Si/C source for EAF steel and iron foundry ladles.

Common: deoxidizer

Applications

Bonded & Coated Abrasives

Grinding wheels, cut-off discs, sandpaper and lapping compounds for non-ferrous metals, cast iron, stone, glass and ceramics.

Refractories

Castables, ramming masses, kiln furniture, crucibles, saggers and diesel particulate filter (DPF) supports — excellent thermal shock resistance.

Steel & Foundry Deoxidizer

SiC briquettes deliver silicon, carbon and deoxidation in one addition to EAF steel and ductile/grey iron ladles, improving yield and slag chemistry.

Technical Ceramics

Wear parts, seals, nozzles, armour and heating elements that exploit SiC hardness, conductivity and high-temperature strength.

Photovoltaic & Semiconductor

Green SiC micro-powder for wire-sawing silicon ingots and for fine semiconductor-grade lapping.

Blasting & Lapping Media

Sharp, fast-cutting blasting and lapping abrasive for hard surfaces and precision finishing.

Quality Assurance

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)

    Lot-traceable chemical and physical analysis with every shipment.

  • Third-Party Inspection

    SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or CIQ pre-shipment inspection on request.

  • Customer Sample Review

    Pre-shipment sample for your lab verification before bulk order.

  • Specification Matching

    Grade and granulometry tailored to your process, not sold as a generic commodity.

Logistics

  • Origin Ports

    Tianjin Xingang · Qingdao · Shanghai

  • Packaging

    25kg PP bags (palletized), 1 MT jumbo bags, or briquettes in jumbo bags. Bulk available.

  • Incoterms

    FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP available.

  • Payment Terms

    T/T or irrevocable L/C at sight. USD / EUR / JPY settlement.

  • Lead Time

    15–25 days from order confirmation to vessel sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between black and green silicon carbide?

Black SiC (≥ 97%) is tougher and lower cost, used for abrasives on non-ferrous metals/stone, refractories and metallurgy. Green SiC (≥ 99%) is purer, harder and more friable, used for precision grinding of carbide tools, PV/semiconductor wire-sawing and fine ceramics.

Can silicon carbide be used as a steel deoxidizer?

Yes. SiC briquettes (typically 88–92% SiC) provide silicon, carbon and deoxidation in a single ladle addition for EAF steel and iron foundries. They reduce FeO in slag, recover metal yield and can partly replace ferrosilicon plus a separate carbon source.

What grit and lump sizes do you supply?

Abrasive grits FEPA F12–F1500 plus micro-powder; refractory lump 0–1, 1–3, 3–5 and 0–10mm; and metallurgical briquettes. Custom sizing for orders ≥ 100 MT.

Is SiC harder than aluminium oxide?

Yes. Silicon carbide is Mohs 9.5 versus Mohs 9 for fused alumina, making it the harder, faster-cutting abrasive — particularly effective on hard, brittle materials like cast iron, stone, glass and carbide.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Trial orders from 20 MT. Production orders typically 50–500 MT. Annual contracts available for refractory, abrasive and steel-mill buyers.

Do you provide COA and samples?

Yes. A Certificate of Analysis ships with every lot and a sample can be provided for verification. SGS/BV/Intertek inspection available on request.

Request a Quote

Specify your grade/size, quantity and destination port — we respond within one business day with FOB China and CIF quotes.

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