India’s first silicon carbide manufacturing facility is being set up in Odisha.
What is silicon carbide (SiC)?
- Silicon carbide, also known as carborundum, is a synthetic crystalline compound made from silicon and carbon.
- It is a semiconductor base material that is extremely hard and durable.
- Known for its excellent thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and resistance to wear and oxidation, it can be doped to form both n-type and p-type semiconductors.
How is silicon carbide made?
- Silicon carbide is primarily produced by heating silica sand and carbon at temperatures up to 2500°C.
- This process forms crystals that deposit onto graphite, commonly using the Lely method or chemical vapour deposition:
- Lely method: Silicon carbide powder sublimates at 2700°C, depositing onto a graphite rod to form pure crystals.
- Chemical vapor deposition: A mix of gases in a vacuum environment deposits cubic SiC onto a substrate, often used in the semiconductor industry.
What is silicon carbide used for? Advantages of SiC
- SiC’s unique properties make it invaluable in high-temperature and high-power applications:
- High thermal conductivity of 120-270 W/mK
- Low thermal expansion coefficient of 4.0×10^-6/°C
- High current density and low switching losses
- These characteristics are vital for semiconductor devices, car brakes, heating machinery, and more.
- In electronics, SiC MOSFETs and Schottky diodes offer superior efficiency over silicon, especially in applications above 600 volts.
- SiC can cut system losses by 50%, reduce system size by 300%, and lower costs by 20%.
Silicon carbide applications:
- Electric vehicles (EVs): Improves inverter efficiency, extends driving range, and reduces system size and weight. It can also lower EV manufacturing costs by $2,000 per vehicle.
- Solar energy systems: Enhances inverter performance, reducing system size by up to 50% and boosting switching frequency by 2-3 times.
- Data centres: SiC’s high efficiency is ideal for power-hungry operations, reducing energy loss and heat generation.
- Fast-charging stations and legacy industries are also adopting SiC to cut costs, increase power density, and boost reliability, making it essential in the push for sustainable energy solutions.
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the difference between silicon carbide and silicon?
Silicon carbide has better thermal and electrical properties, making it superior for high-power applications compared to silicon.
What is chemical vapor deposition in SiC production?
Chemical vapor deposition is a process where gases deposit silicon carbide onto a substrate in a vacuum to form high-purity crystals.
Can silicon carbide be recycled?
Yes, silicon carbide can be recycled and reused in several applications, although the recycling process is complex.
What are the main properties of silicon carbide?
Silicon carbide is known for its high thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and resistance to wear and oxidation.
Is silicon carbide used in 5G technology?
Yes, silicon carbide is being explored for use in 5G networks due to its ability to handle high frequencies and power demands efficiently.