Ränikivimit

Ränikivimit is a Finnish term that translates to silicon carbide in English. Silicon carbide (SiC) is a compound of silicon and carbon with the chemical formula SiC. It is a hard, crystalline material that occurs naturally in rare mineral form known as moissanite. Industrially, silicon carbide is produced synthetically by heating silica sand and carbon in an electric furnace at high temperatures.

The exceptional hardness of silicon carbide, second only to diamond, makes it a valuable abrasive. It is widely used in grinding wheels, sandpaper, cutting tools, and polishing compounds. Beyond its abrasive properties, silicon carbide exhibits excellent thermal conductivity and resistance to high temperatures, making it suitable for applications in refractories and kiln furniture.

In recent decades, silicon carbide has gained significant traction in the electronics industry. Its wide bandgap, high breakdown electric field, and high thermal conductivity allow it to be used in high-power, high-frequency, and high-temperature electronic devices. This includes applications such as power transistors, diodes, and sensors, particularly in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The unique properties of ränikivimit/silicon carbide continue to drive innovation across various technological fields.