Common Grades of Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a high-performance industrial material used in steelmaking, refractory, and abrasive applications. Its grades differ in purity, carbon content, particle size, and color, allowing buyers to select the best material for their needs.

 

1️⃣ Metallurgical / Steelmaking Grades

These grades are used as steel deoxidizers, carbon additives, and slag conditioners.

Grade	SiC Content	Carbon Content	Typical Form	Applications
SiC 88%	~88%	8–9%	Granules, lumps	Steel deoxidation, alloying
SiC 90%	~90%	9–10%	Granules, lumps	Cleaner steel production, slag control
SiC 65–75%	65–75%	6–8%	Lump, powder	Lower-cost steelmaking, basic alloying

 

 

2️⃣ Abrasive / Refractory Grades

These grades are selected for hardness, thermal stability, and chemical resistance.

Grade	Color	SiC Content	Typical Use
Black SiC	Black	97–98%	General abrasives, grinding wheels, refractory fillers
Green SiC	Green	99%+	High-precision grinding, polishing, optical applications

 

 

3️⃣ Fine / Powder Grades

Used for high-tech, polishing, or semiconductor applications.

Grade	Particle Size	Purity	Typical Use
SiC micro powder	<10 µm	99.9%	Polishing wafers, electronics, ceramics
SiC fine powder	10–100 µm	99%+	Precision abrasives, refractory coatings

 

 

4️⃣ Specialty Grades

Designed for special performance or chemical requirements.

Low impurity SiC – for ultra-clean steel or refractory ceramics

High carbon SiC – improves steel deoxidation efficiency

Custom particle size – tailored for specific industrial processes

 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Silicon Carbide Grades

Q1: What is the difference between SiC 88% and SiC 90%?
A1: SiC 90% has higher silicon carbide and carbon content than SiC 88%, making it more efficient for steel deoxidation and producing cleaner steel.

Q2: What is black silicon carbide used for?
A2: Black SiC is commonly used in abrasives, grinding wheels, and refractory fillers due to its high hardness and thermal resistance.

Q3: What is green silicon carbide used for?
A3: Green SiC is a higher-purity grade ideal for precision grinding, polishing, and optical applications.

Q4: What forms of silicon carbide are available?
A4: SiC is available as powder, granules, and lumps to suit different applications in steelmaking, refractory, and abrasive industries.

Q5: How do I choose the right silicon carbide grade for steelmaking?
A5: Choose based on SiC content, carbon content, and particle size. High-purity SiC 88–90% is recommended for modern steelmaking for cleaner, efficient production.

Q6: Can silicon carbide be customized?
A6: Yes, custom particle sizes and grades are available for special industrial requirements, including low impurity or high carbon content SiC.