Silicon carbide, black and green

Silicon carbide is mainly smelted using the Acheson process. It is a chemical compound of silicon and carbon. The raw materials used to produce it are selected petroleum coke, high-quality quartz and wood shavings, which are coated around a carbon core. Graphite electrodes are attached to the carbon core. The high electric voltage causes temperatures of over 2,000 °C, through which the mixture melts – and silicon carbide is formed.

Different qualities are obtained by means of careful separation of the molten SiC roller. The SiC content reduces with increasing distance from the core. Silicon carbide is extremely hard (Mohs' 9.25), chemically inert, does not melt and has a high thermal conductivity and thermal shock resistance.