The Core Difference between Black silicon carbide and Green silicon carbide
Green Silicon Carbide is of higher purity, with a sharper, harder, and more brittle crystal structure. It’s the premium, high-performance option.
Black Silicon Carbide is slightly less pure and tougher, but somewhat less hard. It’s the versatile, economical workhorse.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Green Silicon Carbide (GC) | Black Silicon Carbide (C) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | Very High (~99%+ SiC) | High (~98% SiC) |
| Manufacturing | Similar to black, but with stricter control and purification. | Produced in a large electric resistance furnace from silica sand and petroleum coke. |
| Hardness | Slightly Harder (and sharper) | Very Hard (but slightly less than GC) |
| Friability | High (Very Brittle) | Moderate (Tougher) |
| Crystal Structure | Sharp, fragmented, needle-like crystals. | Blocky, sharper than alumina but less so than GC. |
| Color | Greenish-black, shiny. | Black, metallic luster. |
| Cost | More Expensive | More Economical |
| Primary Use | Precision Grinding & Hard Materials | General Purpose & Rough Grinding |
Green Silicon Carbide (GC)
Key Characteristics: Higher purity, sharper grains, higher friability.
“High Friability” Means: The grains fracture more easily. This is a good thing for precision applications because it constantly exposes new, sharp cutting edges, preventing dullness and reducing heat buildup. This leads to a better surface finish.
Ideal For:
Hard and Brittle Materials: Tungsten carbide, ceramics, silicon wafers, glass, quartz, advanced composites.
Precision Grinding: Honing, lapping, and fine grinding where a superior surface finish is critical.
Non-Ferrous Metals: It is excellent for grinding copper, brass, and aluminum as it minimizes loading (clogging) in the grinding wheel.
Black Silicon Carbide (C)
Key Characteristics: Tougher, more durable, and less expensive.
What “Tougher” Means: The grains are more resistant to fracture. They hold their shape longer, making them better for heavy stock removal and grinding where high pressure is involved.
Ideal For:
Softer, Non-Ferrous Materials: Excellent for aluminum, brass, bronze, and copper.
Hard, Non-Metallic Materials: Perfect for glass, stone, marble, leather, and rubber.
Refractories: Widely used in the production of refractory bricks and linings for furnaces.
General Purpose Blasting: Used in sandblasting for etching and cleaning surfaces.
Reinforcement: Used as a reinforcement in composite materials like automotive brakes and clutches.