A hard refractory crystalline compound of silicon and carbon; carborundum.
Chemical formula: SiC
‘A compound known as silicon carbide, also known as carborundum, is one of the hardest substances known.’
‘In what may be the most important chemical discovery since silicon itself, Toyota researchers have found a way to create uniform crystals with silicon and carbon, silicon carbide.’
‘The most common abrasives include aluminum oxide and silicon carbide.’
‘The team from the university's School of Engineering are the first to manufacture these engines in a durable, heat resistant material such as ceramic or silicon carbide.’
‘Unlike conventional reflecting telescopes, Herschel's telescope mirror is being made from a novel ceramic material called silicon carbide.’
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