Oxide bonded silicon carbide (OBSC) is a type of advanced ceramic composite material that is made by bonding silicon carbide (SiC) particles together with an oxide binder. The oxide binder is typically silica (SiO2), but other oxides such as alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2) can also be used.
OBSC is produced by mixing the SiC particles with the oxide binder and then pressing the mixture into a desired shape. The shaped part is then heated to a high temperature (typically 1400-1600 °C) to sinter the binder and bond the SiC particles together.
Oxide Bonded Silicon Carbide Composition and Properties
- It typically comprises around 67% SiC, 30% Al₂O₃ (Alumina), and 3.7% SiO₂ (Silica).
- Has an apparent porosity of 14%, a modulus of rupture of 8,000 PSI at 2000°F (55 MPa), and a bulk density of 190-195 lb/ft³.
- Exhibits good thermal conductivity and a coefficient of reversible thermal expansion of 3.1×10⁶ in/in °F.
OBSC has a number of desirable properties, including:
- High strength and hardness
- Good wear resistance
- Excellent thermal conductivity
- High thermal stability
- Good corrosion resistance
Oxide Bonded Silicon Carbide Applications
- Wear parts, such as seals, bearings, and pump impellers
- High-temperature components, such as furnace linings and burner nozzles
- Semiconductor processing equipment
- Chemical and petrochemical processing equipment
- Aerospace components
OBSC is also becoming increasingly popular for use in medical devices, such as hip and knee implants, due to its excellent biocompatibility and wear resistance.
Some Specific applications for OBSC
- Gas turbine blades
- Brake rotors
- Clutch plates
- Heat exchangers
- Rocket nozzles
- Medical implants
- Cutting tools
- Foundry molds
- Electronic substrates
OBSC is a relatively new material, but it is rapidly gaining popularity due to its unique and desirable properties. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect to see OBSC used in even more applications in the future.
