Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic balls are widely used in applications requiring high wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and excellent mechanical properties. Here are some key parameters for silicon carbide ceramic balls:
- Chemical Formula: SiC
- Density: Silicon carbide ceramic balls typically have a density ranging from 3.18 to 3.21 g/cm³, which is higher than that of steel (around 7.85 g/cm³) but lower than tungsten carbide.
- Hardness: With a Mohs hardness rating of 9.5, just below diamond at 10, SiC ceramic balls exhibit exceptional hardness and wear resistance.
- Compressive Strength: They can withstand high compressive strengths, typically above 3000 MPa.
- Thermal Conductivity: Silicon carbide has high thermal conductivity, which ranges from about 100 to 300 W/(m·K), making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Fracture Toughness: While SiC is known for its hardness, its fracture toughness is relatively low compared to metals, which can limit its use in situations prone to impact.
- Thermal Expansion Coefficient: Silicon carbide has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, typically around 4.5 × 10^-6 /°C, contributing to its dimensional stability across a wide temperature range.
- Chemical Resistance: SiC is highly resistant to corrosion from most acids, alkalis, and salt solutions, making it ideal for chemical processing equipment.
- Electrical Properties: It is an electrical semiconductor and can be doped to enhance its electrical conductivity for specialized electronic applications.
- Grain Size: The grain size of the silicon carbide used in the balls can significantly affect properties like strength and surface finish. Finer grain sizes generally result in improved mechanical properties.
- Sphericity and Surface Finish: High-quality SiC ceramic balls are manufactured to tight tolerances for sphericity and surface roughness to ensure consistent performance in precision applications such as bearings.
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Applications: Silicon carbide ceramic balls find use in bearing applications where high-speed operation, extreme temperatures, or corrosive environments are present. They are also used in grinding media, valve components, and pump seals, among others.