Silicon Carbide – Black
Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a synthetic compound created by reacting high-purity silica sand (SiO₂) and carbon (coke) in a large electric resistance furnace (Acheson process) at temperatures exceeding 2000°C. The resulting material is a stable, non-oxide ceramic.
Black SiC is the standard commercial grade, distinguished from the rarer Green SiC by its slightly lower purity, resulting from the Fe-containing carbon sources used.
SiC is valued for its exceptional hardness (making it a premium abrasive), extremely high thermal conductivity, high hot strength, and unparalleled resistance to thermal shock. These properties make SiC refractories indispensable in zones subject to rapid temperature changes, chemical attack, and high mechanical wear.
Main Function and Characteristics
SiC is a powerful non-oxide ceramic used in refractories for its unique thermal performance and wear resistance.
| CHARACTERISTIC | VALUE RANGE | PRIMARY REFRACTORY FUNCTION |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (SiC) | ~98% | Determines overall performance and cost. |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.5 | Second only to B₄C and diamond; provides extreme wear resistance. |
| Decomposition | ~2300°C | Sublimes rather than melts, providing extremely high service temperature. |
CLASSIFICATION
- Thermal Focus: Non-Oxide Ceramic
- Primary Application Focus: High Thermal Conductivity – Kiln Furniture, Blast Furnace Stoves, and Non-Ferrous Melting Furnaces.
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Shock Resistance | EXCEPTIONAL | High thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion allow rapid heating/cooling. |
| Oxidation Resistance | GOOD | Forms a protective, passive layer of SiO₂ when exposed to oxygen. |
| Hot Strength/Creep | EXCELLENT | Maintains mechanical integrity at service temperatures up to ~1800°C. |
- The SiC Refractory Advantage
SiC bricks and monolithics offer a unique combination of thermal and mechanical properties:
- High Thermal Conductivity: SiC transfers heat rapidly, which is beneficial in two ways:
- Heat Transfer: In heat exchangers (e.g., recuperators, blast furnace stoves), it efficiently transfers heat through the lining.
- Thermal Shock: By quickly equalizing temperature gradients across the lining, it prevents the internal stresses that cause cracking and spalling, providing superior thermal shock resistance.
- Non-Wetting: Molten aluminum and other non-ferrous metals do not readily wet SiC surfaces, making it highly effective for aluminum melting and holding furnace linings.
- Refractory Bonding Systems
Black SiC aggregate is typically bonded into a refractory shape using one of three main systems, which determine its final properties:
- Clay Bonded: Cost-effective, with good thermal shock resistance, but lower hot strength and refractoriness.
- Nitride Bonded (Si₃N₄): Excellent hot strength and chemical resistance to molten aluminum; the industry standard for non-ferrous melting and chemical zones.
- Sialon Bonded: Superior thermal shock and corrosion resistance; used in the most extreme applications.
- Applications
- Non-Ferrous Metals: Linings for melting and holding furnaces, especially for Aluminum, Zinc, and Copper, due to its non-wetting property and corrosion resistance.
- Ceramic Industry: Used extensively for kiln furniture (shelves, setters, beams) due to its high load-bearing capacity and thermal shock resistance, allowing for faster firing cycles.
- Metallurgy: Used in the lower stack and hearth of blast furnaces, in the tap-hole area of EAFs, and in the high-wear zones of incinerators and chemical reactors.
✨ 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. |
