Advanced technical ceramics

Advanced materials are essential in meeting the demands of modern industries. Silicon is a crucial raw material used by manufacturers of advanced technical ceramics to produce materials with specific features, such as resistance to abrasion and extreme heat. These materials are mainly based on combinations of silicon carbide or silicon nitride in different formats.

Silicon: Enhancing advanced technical ceramics for extreme conditions

The applications of advanced technical ceramics are vast and varied, including ceramic materials and coatings for harsh environments. Their features include thermal stability, thermal expansion, resistance to thermal shock, and thermal conductivity

The bonding of silicon and carbon at elevated temperatures produces silicon carbide, which is very hard and enables the production of high-strength ceramic materials. Silicon carbide structures can also be produced by mixing silicon carbide powder, silicon powder, and carbon-containing compounds to achieve the required features for a wide range of applications. Smaller silicon particles are typically used in this application (i.e. Silgrain® HQ MC, Silgrain® CG MC, and Silgrain® XC MC).

Optimizing carbon structures

Carbon structures and shapes can also be produced by silicon infiltration, causing a reaction to take place between the liquid silicon and the solid carbon to produce silicon carbide. Elkem Silicon offers several qualities or grades that have been specially developed for this application, such as Silgrain® HQ 0.2–0.8, Silgrain® CG 0.2–0.8, and Si-Tec®.

The infiltration process is carried out by melting the silicon in a vacuum furnace, which means that it is essential to make sure the silicon melts easily and contains a small amount of fine particles.

Specialties for advanced technical ceramics

Silicon is used by manufacturers of advanced technical ceramics to produce materials for applications with specific features, in particular resistance to ...

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The synergy of slip casting and sustainable practices

Silicon carbide structures can also be produced by mixing silicon carbide powder and silicon powder in a water-based slurry. The slurry is shaped using a slip casting method and dried to remove water. The silicon particles react with nitrogen at elevated temperatures, and the formed silicon nitride bonds the structure. Elkem Silicon produces different grades for this application, including Silgrain® XO MC and Silgrain® CG MC.

We're also committed to sustainable development, using renewable and low-carbon energies in our processes. Our environmental policies focus on implementing environmentally and socially responsible policies in collaboration with stakeholders.

Elkem offers a great variety of purities and sizes of silicon for producing advanced technical ceramics. Our experts are always available to support clients, discuss technical information and processing issues, and provide samples and quotes. With our commitment to sustainable development, we're a reliable partner for industries looking for advanced materials solutions.