Silicon carbide

Silicon carbide

Silicon carbide sample.
Names
IUPAC name Silicon carbide
Other names Carborundum Moissanite
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES [C-]#[Si+]
Properties
Chemical formula	SiC
Molar mass	40.10 g/mol
Appearance	Black lustrous solid
Density	3.21 g/cm3
Melting point	(decomposes) 2,730 °C (4,950 °F; 3,000 K)
Solubility in water	Insoluble
Hazards
Safety data sheet	ScienceLab
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Silicon carbide, also known as carborundum is a compound of silicon and carbon with chemical formula SiC, mainly used as an abrasive. Silicon carbide occurs naturally as very rare mineral moissanite.

Properties

Physical

Silicon carbide is extremly hard solid (9-9,5 in mohs scale).

Availability

In Alibaba - from chinese producers.

Preparation

Because of the rarity of natural moissanite, most silicon carbide is synthetic. It is used as an abrasive, and more recently as a semiconductor and diamond simulant of gem quality. However the preparation of SiC is too difficult for most amateur scientists.The simplest manufacturing process is to combine silica sand and carbon in an Acheson graphite electric resistance furnace at a high temperature, between 1,600 °C (2,910 °F) and 2,500 °C (4,530 °F). Fine SiO2 particles in plant material (e.g. rice husks) can be converted to SiC by heating in the excess carbon from the organic material.[15] The silica fume, which is a byproduct of producing silicon metal and ferrosilicon alloys, also can be converted to SiC by heating with graphite at 1,500 °C (2,730 °F).

Projects

• Crucible

Handling

Safety

Silicon carbide is non-flammable and non-explosive.

Effects of Exposure: To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of silicon carbide have not been thoroughly investigated and reported. Silicon carbide is a nuisance dust capable of producing nonprogressive pulmonary fibrosis. Silicon carbide implants have caused tumors in laboratory animals.

Acute Effects: Inhalation: May cause irritation. Ingestion: No acute health effects recorded. Skin: May cause abrasive irritation. Eye: May cause abrasive irritation.

Chronic Effects: Inhalation: May cause pneumoconiosis. No other chronic health effects recorded.

Target Organs: No target organs recorded. Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by

Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No

Storage

Silicon carbide is very stable and doesn't require any special storage.

Disposal

Silicon carbide isn't harmful to enviroment, so it's safe to dump it with normal trash or into the soil.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Microwave Kiln "Microkiln"
• SiC electrodes