What Is SiC 85-90% (Metallurgical Grade) Used For?

Silicon Carbide (SiC) 85-90%, also known as metallurgical-grade silicon carbide, is a cost-effective material widely used in steelmaking, foundry and high-temperature industrial applications.

Compared with high-purity Green Silicon Carbide used for precision abrasives and electronic applications, metallurgical-grade SiC focuses more on chemical reactivity, carbon and silicon contribution, and cost efficiency.

Its combination of silicon content, carbon value, thermal stability and high-temperature performance makes it an important additive for electric arc furnaces (EAF), induction furnaces and ferroalloy production.

Key Characteristics of SiC 85-90% Metallurgical Grade

Main Applications of SiC 85-90%

1. Steelmaking and Ferroalloy Production

The largest application of metallurgical-grade SiC is in steel production.

SiC 85-90% works as:

Deoxidizer

Silicon carbide reacts with oxygen-containing compounds in molten steel, helping reduce oxidation and improve steel cleanliness.

Benefits include:

Better molten steel quality

Reduced oxide inclusions

Improved production efficiency

Carbon Additive

The carbon component in SiC can help adjust carbon levels during steel and iron production.

It is commonly used when manufacturers need:

Controlled carbon adjustment

Improved melt chemistry

Efficient carbon recovery

Silicon Source

SiC provides silicon during metallurgical reactions and can support ferroalloy production processes.

Common applications include:

Electric arc furnaces (EAF)

Induction furnaces

Ferroalloy production

2. Foundry and Cast Iron Applications

In foundry operations, metallurgical-grade silicon carbide is used as a carbon and silicon additive.

Typical benefits include:

Improving molten iron fluidity

Supporting carbon and silicon adjustment

Enhancing casting quality

Helping achieve more stable metallurgical composition

It is widely used in:

Gray iron casting

Ductile iron production

Heavy industrial castings

3. Refractory and High-Temperature Materials

Due to its excellent thermal stability and wear resistance, SiC 85-90% can be used in refractory applications.

Typical uses include:

Furnace lining materials

Castables

Kiln furniture

High-temperature refractory mixtures

Advantages:

Good heat resistance

Resistance to thermal shock

Improved wear performance

Longer service life of refractory products

4. Industrial Abrasive Applications

Although metallurgical-grade SiC is not designed for precision grinding, it can be used in cost-sensitive abrasive applications.

Compared with green SiC:

Lower purity

Less sharp crystal structure

More economical

Suitable applications include:

General grinding

Low-demand cutting operations

Non-critical abrasive processes

5. Other Industrial Applications

SiC 85-90% can also be used as a reducing agent or reaction material in certain high-temperature processes.

Examples:

Silicon metal production

Silicon alloy manufacturing

Metallurgical reduction reactions

Its carbon and silicon content provides chemical value during furnace reactions.

Advantages of Metallurgical Grade SiC 85-90%

Choosing SiC 85-90% provides several industrial advantages:

✔ Cost-effective for large-volume consumption
✔ High chemical reactivity in molten metal applications
✔ Provides both silicon and carbon value
✔ Suitable for high-temperature furnace environments
✔ Available in lump and granular forms for easy feeding
✔ Reduces dependence on higher-cost high-purity SiC grades

How to Select the Right SiC 85-90% Grade

When purchasing metallurgical-grade silicon carbide, buyers should consider:

Common sizes include:

0-1 mm

1-3 mm

3-10 mm

10-50 mm lumps

The suitable size depends on furnace type and feeding method.

Get Reliable SiC 85-90% Metallurgical Grade Supply

Looking for SiC 85-90% metallurgical grade silicon carbide for steelmaking, foundry or ferroalloy applications?

ZhenAn provides silicon carbide products with:

✔ Stable SiC content
✔ Customized particle sizes
✔ Metallurgical-grade specifications
✔ Export packing solutions
✔ Technical support for different furnace applications

Contact ZhenAn for SiC 85-90% specifications and quotation:

WhatsApp: +86 15518824805
Email: market@zanewmetal.com

FAQ About SiC 85-90% Metallurgical Grade

1. What is SiC 85-90% used for?

SiC 85-90% is mainly used in:

Steelmaking deoxidation

Carbon adjustment

Ferroalloy production

Foundry applications

Refractory materials

It is designed for industrial processes where performance and cost balance are important.

2. Can SiC 85-90% be used for precision ceramics?

No. Metallurgical-grade SiC has lower purity and is mainly designed for furnace and metal processing applications. Precision ceramics typically require higher-purity silicon carbide materials.

3. Is metallurgical-grade SiC cheaper than green silicon carbide?

Yes. SiC 85-90% is more economical because it is produced for bulk metallurgical applications. Green SiC has higher purity and is mainly used where strict hardness and purity requirements are needed.

4. What particle size is commonly used in steelmaking?

Steel plants usually prefer:

Lump SiC

Granular SiC

because these forms are easier to transport, store and feed into EAF or induction furnaces.

5. Can SiC 85-90% improve steel quality?

Yes. When properly applied, SiC can help:

Remove oxygen

Adjust carbon content

Improve molten steel cleanliness

Support stable furnace operations

The actual effect depends on furnace conditions and process parameters.

6. What is the difference between SiC 85%, SiC 88% and SiC 90%?

The main difference is SiC content and corresponding silicon/carbon contribution.

SiC 85%: More economical, suitable for general metallurgical use.

SiC 88%: Balanced performance and cost, widely used in steelmaking.

SiC 90%: Higher SiC content for applications requiring stronger metallurgical reaction performance.