Manufacture of SiC: Effect of Carbon Precursor

SiC is one of the most important ceramics at present due to its excellent properties and wide range of applications. The industrial production method, known as the Acheson method, has not changed in 125 years. Because the synthesis method in the laboratory is completely different, laboratory optimisation may not be extrapolated to the industrial level. In the present study, the results at the industrial level and at the laboratory level of the synthesis of SiC are compared. These results show that it is necessary to make a more detailed analysis of the coke than the traditional one; therefore, the Optical Texture Index (OTI) should be included, as well as the analysis of the metals that form the ashes. It has been found that the main influencing factors are OTI and the presence of Fe and Ni in the ashes. It has been determined that the higher the OTI, as well as the Fe and Ni content, the better the results obtained. Therefore, the use of regular coke is recommended in the industrial synthesis of SiC.