Silicon carbide (SiC) is prized for its exceptional properties, finding extensive use across high-tech sectors. Polishing SiC ingots enhances their performance, serving as a crucial step in various applications. Here, we explore why polishing is essential and the direct applications of polished SiC ingots.

Reasons for Polishing SiC Ingots

1. Surface Enhancement

Defect Removal: Polishing eliminates micro-cracks and scratches from cutting and grinding, ensuring a smoother surface and enhancing material strength.

Roughness Reduction: Polished surfaces exhibit reduced roughness, vital for applications requiring high surface finish such as optical components and semiconductor devices.

2. Optimizing Device Performance

Scattering Reduction: Polishing minimizes surface scattering, enhancing the efficiency and performance of power and high-frequency electronic devices.

Interface Improvement: Smooth surfaces improve interface quality, reducing defects and enhancing electrical performance.

3. Mechanical Strength

Enhanced Durability: Polishing reduces stress concentration points, enhancing mechanical strength and durability, crucial for components like mechanical seals.

Crack Prevention: By eliminating micro-cracks, polishing mitigates stress corrosion cracking, prolonging the material lifespan.

4. Optical and Semiconductor Uses

Transmittance Improvement: Polishing reduces light scattering and absorption, improving optical transmittance.

Defect Minimization: Lower defect density on polished surfaces enhances semiconductor device yield and performance.

5. Chemical Stability

Oxidation Prevention: Polishing reduces active surface areas, minimizing oxidation and contamination risks, especially in harsh environments.

Direct Applications of Polished SiC Ingots

1. Heating Elements

Electric Heating Rods: Widely used in industrial heating for ceramics, glass, and metals due to high-temperature stability.

2. High-Temperature Furnace Components

Tubes and Crucibles: Critical components in high-temperature furnaces for thermal treatment of metals and ceramics.

3. Mechanical Seals

Sealing Rings and Bearings: Offer high wear and corrosion resistance, ideal for petroleum and chemical equipment.

4. Wear-Resistant Parts

Nozzles and Valves: Used in sandblasting, spraying, and chemical equipment for extended lifespan.

5. Heat Exchangers

High-Temperature: Suitable for corrosive environments, providing efficient heat exchange for gases and liquids.

6. Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Reinforcing Fibers: Provide high-strength components for aerospace and defense applications.

7. Semiconductor Wafer Substrates

Wafer Growth: Crucial for fabricating power semiconductor devices.

8. Sensors and Measurement Devices

Thermocouple Protection Tubes: Ensure accurate temperature measurement in metallurgy and kiln industries.

9. High-Voltage Insulators

Power Equipment Insulators: Essential for high-voltage transmission lines and substations.

10. Optical Components

Infrared Windows: Used in high-temperature and corrosive environments for infrared optical systems.

11. Research Equipment

Laboratory Tools: Maintain performance under extreme conditions for research purposes.

Conclusion

Polishing SiC ingots enhances their suitability for various high-tech applications, including heating, sealing, and optical systems. With continuous advancements, SiC ingots will continue to play a pivotal role across diverse industries.

Related product links

Silicon Carbide Wafer (SiC Wafer)