A uniform, fine-grained microstructure characterizes ADVANCED CERAMICS Pressure Assisted Densified ("PAD") Silicon Carbide (SiC). CERCOM produces three grades of SiC with diameters up to 560mm. Precise processing, and unique grain boundary chemistry allows for the control of material grain size and grain size distribution in these materials. ADVANCED CERAMICS SiC-N with its high hardness, fracture toughness and Weibull modulus results in a ballistically superior ceramic armor which also is excellent for optical, structural and wear resistant applications.

ADVANCED CERAMICS SC-1R material is a high purity fine grained SiC appropriate for the optical and semiconductor industries. All of CERCOM's SiC are excellent in a variety of environments up to 1650°C. The following chart lists typical properties:

	Grade of Sic		SiC-B	SiC-N	SC-1R
	Bulk Density (min)	g/cmˆ3	3.20	3.20	3.20
	Average Grain Size	µm	3-5	3-5	1.5-3.0
	Flexural Strength, (4-Pt MOR) @RT	Ksi MPa	70 580	85 570	100 700
	Characteristic Strength	MPa	600	600	730
	Weibull Modulus (m)		17	21	10
	Elastic Modulus (E)	GPa	460	460	460
	Poisson's Ratio (v)		0.16	0.16	0.15
	Hardness (Knoop 0.3 kg)	kg/mmˆ2	2400	2400	2400
	Fracture Toughness (Chevron Notch)	MPa-mˆ1/2	4.4	4.7	4.5
	Thermal Expansion (RT-1000° C)	10ˆ-6/°C	4.5	4.5	4.5
	Thermal Conductivity @RT	(W/m-K)	130	130	95
	Electrical Resistivity		>10ˆ4	>10ˆ4	>10ˆ4