Available Silicon Carbide

 

Metallurgical-grade Silicon Carbide (SiC) represents a sophisticated synthetic compound engineered specifically for the steel and foundry industries. Unlike abrasive-grade or refractory-grade silicon carbide, our metallurgical variant is precisely formulated to optimize deoxidation, carburization, and slag conditioning in ferrous metal production. Produced through controlled carbothermal reduction of high-purity silica and petroleum coke, this material offers exceptional performance characteristics that traditional ferroalloys cannot match.

 

 

Chemical Composition (Typical Analysis)

Grade	SiC Content	Free Carbon	Fe₂O₃	Al₂O₃	CaO	Moisture
Premium 90	88-92%	2-4%	0.5-1.5%	0.8-2.0%	0.3-0.8%	<0.5%
Standard 75	72-78%	3-6%	2.0-4.0%	2.0-4.0%	0.5-1.2%	<0.5%
Economy 65	62-68%	5-8%	4.0-7.0%	3.0-6.0%	0.8-1.5%	<0.5%

Available Particle Size Distributions

Size Code	Mesh Range	Millimeter Equivalent	Recommended Application
SiC-F	0-3 mm	0-3 mm	Induction furnaces, rapid dissolution
SiC-M	3-10 mm	3-10 mm	Ladle additions, general foundry use
SiC-C	10-50 mm	10-50 mm	EAF furnace charging, slow dissolution
SiC-G	200 mesh	<0.074 mm	Injection applications, fine-tuning
Custom	As specified	As specified	Tailored to customer requirements

 

 

Dual-Action Deoxidation Mechanism

When introduced to molten steel or iron, metallurgical silicon carbide undergoes thermal dissociation according to the following reaction:

SiC + O₂ → SiO₂ + C

This mechanism provides two distinct benefits:

Primary Deoxidation: The silicon released combines with dissolved oxygen to form silica (SiO₂), which floats into the slag phase. This reaction occurs more gradually than with ferrosilicon, reducing violent boiling and minimizing nitrogen pickup.

Secondary Deoxidation: The carbon liberated during dissociation further reduces any remaining oxygen, creating a more thorough deoxidation effect than silicon alone can achieve.

Superior Recovery Rates

Comparative studies demonstrate that silicon carbide consistently achieves 10-15% higher silicon recovery than conventional ferrosilicon under identical operating conditions. This efficiency stems from:

Controlled Release: The gradual dissociation prevents surface oxidation losses common with metallic additions

Self-Protecting Mechanism: The reaction front moves inward, protecting unreacted material until it reaches optimal dissolution zones

Temperature Compatibility: SiC dissociates optimally at steelmaking temperatures (1500-1650°C), maximizing utilization

Energy Contribution

Unlike conventional additions that consume energy during melting, silicon carbide provides exothermic energy to the bath:

SiC + 2O₂ → SiO₂ + CO₂ + Heat

This reaction releases approximately 13.5 kWh of thermal energy per 100 kg of SiC added, reducing overall power consumption and accelerating melt cycles.

 

 

For Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking

Charge Optimization: When added with scrap during furnace charging, SiC provides early deoxidation that protects refractory linings and improves overall furnace efficiency.

Slag Conditioning: Silicon carbide additions reduce FeO content in EAF slag by 15-25%, improving metal recovery and reducing slag disposal costs.

Tap-to-Tap Time Reduction: The combined deoxidation and energy contribution typically reduces tap-to-tap times by 5-8 minutes per heat.

For Ladle Metallurgy

Precision Control: Fine-grade SiC (0-3mm) enables precise final adjustments to both silicon and carbon content simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple alloy additions.

Inclusion Modification: The gradual dissociation promotes the formation of liquid calcium aluminate inclusions rather than solid alumina clusters, improving steel cleanliness and castability.

Temperature Management: The exothermic reaction provides gentle reheating during ladle treatment, compensating for heat losses during extended processing.

For Foundry Applications

Inoculation Efficiency: In gray and ductile iron production, SiC additions at 0.2-0.5% promote Type A graphite formation and reduce chill depth by 30-40% compared to standard inoculation practices.

Nodularity Enhancement: For ductile iron, metallurgical SiC contributes to nodule counts exceeding 150 nodules/mm², improving mechanical properties and reducing section sensitivity.

Carbide Elimination: The combined silicon and carbon availability helps eliminate primary carbides in thin-section castings, improving machinability and reducing rejection rates.

 

 

Every shipment of metallurgical silicon carbide undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent performance:

Chemical Analysis: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and combustion analysis verify SiC content and impurity levels against certified reference materials.

Physical Testing: Sieve analysis confirms particle size distribution matches specifications, with strict controls on fines content to prevent dusting losses.

Dissolution Testing: Sample batches undergo controlled melt testing to verify dissolution characteristics and recovery rates.

Certification: Each lot receives a Certificate of Analysis documenting all relevant parameters, enabling full traceability throughout your production process.

 

Recommended Addition Rates

Application	Addition Rate	Point of Addition
EAF Deoxidation	2-5 kg/ton	During scrap charge
Ladle Treatment	1-3 kg/ton	During tapping or stirring
Induction Furnace	2-4 kg/ton	After meltdown
Ductile Iron Treatment	3-6 kg/ton	With other alloy additions

Best Practices for Optimal Results

Timing: Add SiC early in the process to maximize dissociation time and ensure complete utilization.

Placement: Avoid adding directly into slag layers; introduce into metal stream or bury beneath scrap for optimal contact.

Stirring: Adequate bath stirring ensures uniform distribution and prevents localized concentration.

Temperature Consideration: Maintain bath temperatures above 1450°C for iron applications and above 1550°C for steel to ensure complete dissociation.

 

 

1-Ton Jumbo Bags: Standard export packaging with inner moisture barrier

50 kg Plastic-Lined Bags: Suitable for manual handling and smaller operations

Custom Bulk Bags: Available in 500kg, 1000kg, or 1200kg configurations

Waterproof Options: Specialized packaging for humid climates or extended storage

 

 

Store in dry conditions away from moisture sources. While metallurgical SiC resists hydration, prolonged exposure to high humidity may cause surface oxidation and reduced performance. For best results, use within 12 months of delivery and rotate inventory on a first-in, first-out basis.

 

Consistent Quality: Stringent process controls ensure every shipment meets specified composition and sizing requirements.

Application Expertise: Our technical team provides ongoing support to optimize your usage and maximize value.

Reliable Supply: Strategic partnerships with integrated producers ensure stable availability regardless of market conditions.

Custom Solutions: We work with you to develop tailored specifications addressing your specific metallurgical requirements.

 

 

Our metallurgists and application engineers are available to assist with:

Optimizing addition practices for your specific furnace type and operating conditions

Troubleshooting quality issues related to deoxidation or carburization

Developing trial programs to validate performance in your process

Providing material safety data sheets and handling recommendations

Contact our technical team to discuss how metallurgical silicon carbide can improve your melting operations, reduce costs, and enhance final product quality.

 

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