silicon carbide

noun

Chemistry.

1. a very hard, insoluble, crystalline compound, SiC, used as an abrasive and as an electrical resistor in objects exposed to high temperatures.

silicon carbide

noun

1. an extremely hard bluish-black insoluble crystalline substance produced by heating carbon with sand at a high temperature and used as an abrasive and refractory material. Silicon carbide whiskers have a high tensile strength and are used in composites; very pure crystals are used as semiconductors. Formula: SiC

Word History and Origins

Origin of silicon carbide¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

To achieve this, the Auburn team created innovative material structures called Surface Immobilized Electrides by attaching solvated electron precursors to stable surfaces such as diamond and silicon carbide.

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“In addition, the company believes that it maintains ample liquidity to continue supplying customers with leading silicon carbide solutions,” Wolfspeed said.

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We’re looking at new materials, like gallium nitride and silicon carbide, to drive new energy density and energy efficiency.

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Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe said the potential for government support has been “very important” as the company has sought to produce more silicon carbide, a material that increases the efficiency of computer chips.

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The first steps for making this particular semiconductor, known as a silicon carbide chip, happen in a factory in New Hampshire.

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