SiC Plate (Structural)
Main Chemical Compositions & Categories
SiC Plates are manufactured from high-purity SILICON CARBIDE (SiC). They are typically produced via pressing and firing to achieve dense, flat geometries.
| CATEGORY | BONDING / MANUFACTURING | OPERATIONAL TEMP. LIMIT | PRIMARY APPLICATION |
| Recrystallized ReSiC) | SiC to SiC bond | ~1650°C | High purity, maximum refractoriness |
| Reaction-Bonded SiC (RBSiC) | SiC bonded with residual Si | ~1400°C | High strength, high thermal shock resistance, cost-effective |
| Nitride-Bonded SiC (NBSiC) | SiC bonded with Si3N4 | ~1650°C | Excellent hot strength and chemical inertness |
Key Properties and Performance
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | OUTSTANDING | Very high thermal conductivity and exceptionally low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) allow for fast heating/cooling cycles. |
| Hot Strength (MOR) | EXCELLENT | Maintains rigidity and minimal sag under load at temperatures up to 1650°C. |
| Thermal Mass (Dead Weight) | MINIMAL | High strength-to-weight ratio maximizes the useful payload and reduces energy consumption. |
| Surface Finish/Flatness | HIGH | Can be produced with excellent dimensional stability, crucial for stacking and product quality. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
SiC Structural Plates are utilized in kiln furniture systems to support products, maximize stacking density, and dramatically improve the overall energy efficiency of the firing process.
- Maximizing Energy Efficiency: SIC‘s high thermal conductivity ensures heat is quickly transferred to the product, not wasted heating a large support structure. Furthermore, the low thermal mass allows for faster kiln cycling (shorter heat-up/cool-down times), leading to increased production capacity and lower fuel consumption.
- Payload Optimization: The high hot strength means plates can be made thinner and lighter than their oxide refractory counterparts (e.g., Mullite or Cordierite). This reduces the unproductive “dead weight” of the kiln car, maximizing the valuable product payload per run.
- Dimensional Stability: Resistance to creep, warpage, and thermal deformation ensures that stacked plates remain flat and stable throughout the firing cycle, which is essential for maintaining product geometry and preventing damage.
- Chemical Inertness: Suitable for clean firing applications, as SiC is non-reactive with most products and furnace atmospheres, minimizing contamination.
Typical Industries and Applications
SiC plates are vital components in modern, high-efficiency thermal processing:
- Advanced Ceramics: Firing sensitive electronic, automotive, or aerospace ceramics that require precise temperature control and clean environments.
- Sanitary Ware/Tableware: Used as kiln setters and plates to maximize stacking density in continuous tunnel kilns.
- Sintering and Heat Treatment: Support trays for metal powder sintering and heat treatment processes.
Furnace Areas and Service Zones
They are specified as structural elements within the hot zone:
- KILN FURNITURE SETTERS: Used as the base or intermediate layers to separate and support product stacks on a kiln car.
- SUPPORT SHELVES: Flat, horizontal supports in periodic or high-temperature box furnaces.
- HEAT EXCHANGER PLATES: Used in specialized recuperators or heat recovery systems due to their high thermal conductivity.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection criteria focus on load-bearing capacity and thermal properties:
- Hot Modulus of Rupture (HMOR): CRITICAL VALUE. Must be checked at the maximum service temperature to confirm that the selected thickness and span can handle the product load.
- Thermal Conductivity: Look for high values (e.g., 15 – 50 W / (m.K)) to quantify energy efficiency gains.
- Creep Rate: Must be extremely low to ensure flatness and dimensional stability over the campaign life.
- Dimensional Tolerance/Flatness: Often specified by the user to ensure successful stacking and automated handling.
Technical Guidance: When specifying SiC plates, the RBSiC grade is often the most cost-effective solution for structural applications up to 1400°C due to its high strength and density. For temperatures above this limit or in highly oxidizing/reducing atmospheres, ReSiC or NBSiC should be considered.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
