In general the concept of solid lubrication has been around since antiquity and the use of carbon graphite has been a part of this evolution. As technology is advancing we see the emergence of new materials that provide superior characteristics over their predecessors. One such material is carbon Silicon, which has been gaining popularity over the last few years because of its ability to provide superior tribological performance. Carbon Silicon, commonly referred to as silicon carbide is an inorganic chemical compound composed of silicon and carbon. It is a black, high-hardness ceramic comprised of particles that are bound by strong covalent bonds. Silicon carbide displays excellent thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, making it an attractive material for many applications.
Silicon carbide is a great option for applications that require superior wear resistance, such as sliding guides and track blocks. Sliding guides and track blocks are some of the most frequently used parts on industrial machinery and require dependable tribological performance in order to ensure optimal operation. By using silicon carbide, users are able to significantly reduce wear, providing more reliable and cost-effective long-term performance. In addition to better wear resistance, silicon carbide also offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for lighter components that are still able to offer superior performance. This type of material is also highly resistant to corrosion, which is important in certain applications where environmental conditions can cause parts to deteriorate rapidly.
The superior tribological performance of solid silicon carbide is due to its low coefficient of friction, which inhibits the formation of surface wear layers. This ability to resist surface wear helps reduce vibration, helping to ensure that sliding elements such as track blocks and guides move smoother and with less wear. Silicon carbide also offers superior chemical stability, making it an attractive option for chemical resistant applications. In addition, it can also withstand temperatures up to 1300ºC, making it well-suited for applications exposed to high temperatures.
Silicon carbide is the ideal material for components that require the ultimate in performance such as sliding guides and track blocks. Not only does it offer superior tribological performance and chemical stability, but it is also more cost-effective than other high-performance materials. It also offers light weight solutions with its superior strength-to-weight ratio, making it an even more attractive option for applications on modern industrial machinery.
