Mar 03, 2026 Leave a message

What is Silicon Carbide? Why 88 & 90 Grades Are the Strategic Choice for Metallurgy

The core conclusion is that Silicon Carbide (SiC) 88 and 90 are the optimal grades for modern steelmaking and iron casting in 2026. Unlike expensive high-purity ceramics, Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer offers a dual-action mechanism for simultaneous deoxidation and recarburization. By utilizing Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer, foundries can reduce total alloy costs by 15-20% while providing exothermic energy to the melt, making it the premier replacement for Ferrosilicon.

 

1. Defining the Material: What is Silicon Carbide?

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a high-performance synthetic compound produced from quartz sand and petroleum coke in an electric resistance furnace. While many associate SiC with expensive semiconductors or precision ceramics, its most significant industrial impact is in metallurgy.

Does Silicon Carbide belong to the ceramic family? Yes, it is an advanced structural ceramic. However, for steelmakers, Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer is valued more for its chemical reactivity than its ceramic hardness. It possesses a high melting point and exceptional thermal conductivity, allowing it to react instantly when added to molten steel or iron.

 

2. The Power of "Sub-90" Grades: Why 88 & 90 SiC?

 

The sintering of battery materials occurs in massive tunnel kilns or roller hearth kilns. Here, Silicon Carbide 88 90 is utilized in several critical components:

In the 2026 procurement market, savvy buyers are shifting away from 95%+ SiC and focusing on Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer. Here is why these grades are the strategic choice:

 

A. The "Golden Ratio" of Purity and Cost

For deoxidation in EAF (Electric Arc Furnaces) or Converters, a purity of 88% to 90% provides the most efficient chemical reaction. Using Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer ensures that you are not overpaying for "over-purity" that doesn't improve the steel's final quality.

 

B. Dual-Action Performance

Each ton of Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer provides approximately 60% Silicon and 30% Carbon.

  • Deoxidation: It reacts more aggressively with dissolved oxygen than Ferrosilicon, creating a cleaner melt.
  • Recarburization: The integrated carbon has a recovery rate of over 90%, allowing you to reduce your separate recarburizer budget.

 

silicon carbide granules

 

3. Technical Comparison: SiC 88 90 vs. Ferrosilicon 75

 

To visualize the savings, consider how the Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer outperforms traditional alloys:

 

Table 1: Refractory Performance Matrix (SiC vs. Alumina)

Metric Ferrosilicon 75 (FeSi 75) Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer
Primary Function Silicon Supplement Deoxidation + Recarburization
Heat Impact Cooling Effect Exothermic (Adds Heat)
Slag Quality Thick and Sticky Fluid and Manageable
Overall Savings Baseline Cost 15% - 20% Reduction

 

 

4. Where is "Sub-90" Silicon Carbide Used?

 

The Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer is the versatile workhorse of the industry:

 

  • Steelmaking (EAF & Converter): Used to control oxygen levels and add chemical energy to the furnace.
  • Ductile Iron Casting: Acts as a powerful inoculant, promoting graphite formation and reducing "chill" in thin-walled castings.
  • Foundry Cupolas: Added in Briquette form to maintain silicon levels and improve temperature stability.

 

5. FAQ: Expert Procurement Guide

 

Q: Why should I choose SiC 88 over SiC 90?

A: SiC 88 is the ultimate "Budget King." If your steel grade has a higher tolerance for trace elements, Silicon Carbide 88 Deoxidizer offers the lowest cost-per-ton of silicon recovery.

Q: Are the impurities in 88/90 grades harmful?

A: No. At ZhenAn, we strictly control Al2O3 and Fe2O3 levels in our Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer. The minor impurities are easily absorbed into the slag and do not compromise the purity of your final product.

Q: How do you prevent dust during charging?

A: We offer the Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer in high-density Briquettes (50mm). These are pressed under 10,000 tons of force, ensuring they reach the molten steel without creating dust or floating on the slag.

 

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Click "Send Inquiry" to get ZhenAn's latest price update for Silicon Carbide 88 90 Deoxidizer. Request a custom sample today and see how our 88/90 grades can revolutionize your furnace performance!

 

 

 

 

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