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Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide

Reaction bonded silicon carbide (RB SiC) is a composite material consisting of silicon carbide particles held together by a ceramic matrix. Reaction bonded silicon carbide is a multi-phased material typically containing 7-15% silicon metal, and some minor amount of unreacted carbon, with the remaining body being SiC.

RB SiC is refractory grade silicon carbide, which means that it has a high melting point and is able to withstand high temperatures without undergoing significant deformation or degradation. 

The process of manufacturing RB SiC involves infiltrating molten silicon into a porous carbon material that has been packed in the shape of the desired part. The molten silicon reacts with the carbon, forming silicon carbide. The process of manufacture depends on desired final product geometry, configuration, and required tolerances.  

Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide has high strength, excellent thermal and chemical resistance, and can be produced in a range of shapes and sizes. RB SiC is often used in applications where high wear resistance and dimensional stability are required, such as in pumps, mechanical seals, bearings, pipe liners, flow control chokes, and larger wear components for mining and other industries.

reaction bonded silicon carbide - Calix Ceramics

calsic rb

Calix Ceramics’ trade name for Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide is Calsic RB.  Our Calsic RB material offers an economical and reliable material option for many applications where the corrosion resistance or wear resistance of sintered silicon carbide is not necessary.

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Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide Characteristics

Mechanical Strength

RB SiC is a strong and tough material resistant to fracture and deformation.

Temperature Stability

RB SiC can withstand high temperatures without degrading, has a low coefficient of thermal expansion so it does not expand or contract significantly with changes in temperature.

Thermal Shock Resistance

RB SiC can withstand rapid changes in temperature without cracking or breaking.

Wear and Corrosion Resistant

RB SiC can withstand abrasive and erosive wear and is resistant to most acids and alkalis.

Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide Characteristics

Microstructure (%) Density (g/cc) Apparent Porosity (%) Max Use Temperature (°C) Flexural Strength (MPa) Compressive Strength (MPa) Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (1 x 10-6 in/in °C) Thermal Conductivity @1200°C (W/mK) Poisson’s Ratio Vickers Hardness (GPa)
87% SiC, 12% Si > 3.02 < 0.1 1380 250 @ 20°C ; 280 @ 1200°C 2500 330 @ 20°C ; 300 @ 1200°C 4.5 45 0.2 20-22
Download Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide Typical Physical Properties PDF

Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide Products

Kiln Furniture and Furnace Components

RB SiC is commonly used to produce kiln furniture, such as shelves, setters, and supports, for high-temperature firing processes in industries such as ceramics, glass, and metallurgy.

Protection tubes

RB SiC is used in the production of thermocouple protection tubes, which are used in high-temperature environments to protect thermocouples, which are temperature sensors, from harsh conditions. RB SiC can withstand the extreme temperatures and thermal cycling typically encountered in high-temperature applications.

mechanical seals

RB SiC is widely used in mechanical seals, which are used in pumps, compressors, and other rotating equipment to prevent fluid leakage.

nozzles and burners

RB SiC is used in the manufacturing of nozzles and burners for applications that require high-temperature performance, such as in metal casting, steelmaking, and other industrial processes.

ballistic armor

RB SiC is used in the production of ballistic armor plates for personal protection and military applications.

semiconductor manufacturing equipment

RB SiC is used in the fabrication of specialized components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as wafer handling and processing components.

reaction bonded silicon carbide
Frequently Asked Questions

Reaction bonded silicon carbide (RB SiC) is a ceramic material that is formed by reacting silicon powder with nitrogen gas in a high-temperature furnace. The resulting material is a porous, lightweight ceramic with excellent strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and corrosion.

RB SiC has a number of benefits, including high strength, toughness, and wear resistance, as well as excellent thermal shock resistance and chemical stability. It is also a relatively low-cost material compared to other advanced ceramics.

RB SiC is used in a wide range of applications, including cutting tools, bearings, seal rings, heat exchangers, and combustion nozzles. Its high-temperature stability and resistance to wear and corrosion make it ideal for use in harsh environments.

RB SiC is manufactured by reacting silicon powder with nitrogen gas at high temperatures in a specialized furnace. The resulting material is then shaped and sintered to form the final product.

reaction bonded silicon Carbide pricing structure

Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide Products are priced based on the following:

  • Forming Method – the method used to produce the near net shape component
  • Machining Requirements – the type of tooling required and amount of machining necessary to achieve the final product
  • Component Details – the specifics of the end user’s components such as tolerance requirements
  • Quantity of Pieces

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