Silicon carbide - Import export

Like oxides and nitrides, Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a very hard-wearing material, again requiring diamond-grinding methods to process once fired. Although not exclusively, carbides are used mainly for applications in which physical wear is a major consideration. They are amongst the hardest materials available.

Silicon Nitride (Si3N4), just like its close family relation silicon carbide, is one of the toughest technical ceramics available. Over the years it has been successfully used in a wide and interesting field of applications ranging from automotive engine components to roller bearings for the most exclusive skateboards (right).