Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a compound composed of silicon (Si) and carbon (C). It possesses extremely high hardness, thermal conductivity, and chemical stability, making it a crucial material in the semiconductor and precision machining industries.

Key Properties:

  • Chemical formula: SiC
  • Crystal structure: Hexagonal (α-SiC) or cubic (β-SiC)
  • Mohs hardness: ~9.2 (second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride)
  • Melting point: ~2,730 °C
  • Thermal conductivity: 120–270 W/m·K (higher than alumina or aluminum nitride)
  • Corrosion resistance: Excellent in acids, alkalis, and high-temperature atmospheres
  • Electrical properties: Wide bandgap semiconductor (≈3.26 eV)

Applications:

  1. Semiconductor Industry – Used in power devices (SiC MOSFETs, Schottky diodes), substrates for GaN-on-SiC RF and 5G applications.
  2. CNC Precision Machining – Used to produce high-rigidity ceramic fixtures, wear-resistant bearings, and vacuum chamber components in etching, CVD, and PVD equipment.
  3. Other Uses – Abrasives, cutting tools, and SiC heating elements.

SiC (Silicon Carbide) – Applications Overview

1️⃣ Semiconductor Industry Applications

SiC is a wide bandgap semiconductor material that can withstand higher voltages, temperatures, and current densities compared to traditional silicon (Si). It has become essential for next-generation high-performance electronic devices.

Main Applications:

  • Power Devices: SiC MOSFETs and Schottky Diodes used in EVs, chargers, solar inverters, and industrial power systems.
  • RF & Communication: Substrate material for GaN-on-SiC chips used in 5G base stations, radar, and satellite communication.
  • High-Temperature Sensors & Aerospace Electronics: Ideal for harsh environment sensors and control modules.

Advantages:

  • High breakdown voltage
  • Excellent thermal conductivity
  • Low switching loss
  • Stable operation above 200°C

2️⃣ Semiconductor Equipment Components

In wafer fabrication, SiC’s corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and thermal stability make it widely used in vacuum chamber components, focus rings, susceptors, and precision fixtures.

Examples:

  • Etching Equipment: SiC parts resist fluorine-based gas corrosion, extending component lifespan.
  • CVD/PVD Chambers: Maintain mechanical stability at high temperatures.
  • Vacuum Systems: Perform reliably in high-temperature, plasma environments.

Key Benefits:

  • High hardness and wear resistance
  • Low contamination (minimizes particle generation)
  • Excellent thermal stability

3️⃣ CNC Precision Machining

Due to its extreme hardness and brittleness, SiC requires CNC grinding, ultrasonic, or laser-assisted machining for precise shaping.

Common Applications:

  • High-rigidity ceramic fixtures and support components
  • Optical instrument bases (laser platforms, telescope mounts)
  • Precision bearings and sliding elements
  • Structural components and thermal shields for semiconductor tools

Advantages:

  • High stiffness and low thermal expansion
  • Excellent dimensional stability
  • Suitable for ultra-clean and high-vacuum environments

4️⃣ Other Industrial Applications

  • Abrasives: Grinding wheels, cutting disks, and polishing powders.
  • High-Temperature Components: SiC heating elements, furnace tubes, refractory materials.
  • Renewable Energy: Substrates for solar modules and power module heat spreaders.
  • Automotive Industry: SiC power modules are widely adopted in EV inverters and chargers.

#Silicon Carbide, #SiC, #Silicon Carbide Materials, #Silicon Carbide Semiconductors, #SiC Power Devices, #Wide Bandgap Materials

Application Keywords:

#Silicon Carbide Wafer Substrates

SiC MOSFETs

SiC Diodes / SiC Schottky Diodes

Semiconductor Processing Equipment

CVD Chambers / Etching Machine Parts / Vacuum Chamber Structures

#CNC Precision Machining / Ceramic Machining / Ultrasonic Machining

High Hardness Materials / Wear-Resistant Ceramics / High-Temperature Structural Components

#Power Modules / Electric Vehicle Inverters / 5G RF Modules

High Thermal Conductivity Materials / Heat Dissipation Substrates

#CNC Machining, #CNC Precision Machining, #Semiconductor Components, #Automation Equipment, #Precision Components, #Robotic Arms, #Stainless Steel Machining, #Engineering Plastics, #Ceramic Machining

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