Potential of White Fused Alumina Abrasive: Advantages and Precautions
Silicon carbide is a popular abrasive material. It comes in two main varieties: green and black silicon carbide. Both types have unique properties and are used for different purposes. In this blog, we will explore the differences of green vs black silicon carbide, as well as their respective applications.
Green silicon carbide is made from a mixture of silica sand and petroleum coke, which are heated in an electric furnace to high temperatures. It has a higher purity than black silicon carbide, with a chemical composition consisting of approximately 99% silicon carbide. Green silicon carbide is harder and more brittle than its black counterpart, making it ideal for abrasive applications where material removal is a priority.
Black silicon carbide is also produced by heating silica sand and petroleum coke in an electric furnace, but it is made at a lower temperature than green silicon carbide. This results in a lower purity level, usually around 95-98% silicon carbide. Black silicon carbide is less brittle and more flexible than green silicon carbide, making it ideal for applications that require a softer abrasive material, such as polishing and finishing.
Hardness
Green silicon carbide is harder and more brittle than black silicon carbide. This makes green silicon carbide better suited for aggressive material removal tasks, such as grinding and cutting. Black silicon carbide is softer and more flexible, making it ideal for applications that require a smoother finish, such as polishing and lapping.
Color
The most obvious difference of green vs black silicon carbide is their color. Green silicon carbide has a greenish hue, while black silicon carbide has a black color. This difference in color is due to the different impurities present in each type of silicon carbide.
Purity
Green silicon carbide has a higher purity level than black silicon carbide, with a chemical composition of approximately 99% silicon carbide. Black silicon carbide has a lower purity level, usually around 95-98% silicon carbide.
In conclusion, green vs black silicon carbide have unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. Green silicon carbide is harder and more brittle, making it ideal for aggressive material removal tasks, while black silicon carbide is softer and more flexible, making it suitable for polishing and finishing applications. Understanding the differences between these two types of silicon carbide can help you choose the right abrasive material for your specific needs.
