Get flat 40% Off on all Online Courses, Pendrive Courses, & Test Series. The offer is valid from 24th to 26th January only.




 09-Sep-2024

India’s First Silicon Carbide Facility

Science & Technology

Why in the News?

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the ceremony for India's first silicon carbide manufacturing plant, set to be established in Odisha with an investment of Rs 620 crore. The facility, developed by RIR Power Electronics Limited, a key player in semiconductor power electronics, will be located at EMC Park in Infovalley, Bhubaneswar.

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

  • It is a compound made of silicon and carbon.
  • It has excellent heat conductivity, which makes it ideal for high-temperature applications.
  • It is chemically inert and resistant to corrosion by acids, alkalis and salts.
  • It has a very high melting point, around 2,730°C (4,950°F).
  • Acheson process: It is produced by this process where silica (SiO₂) and carbon (usually in the form of petroleum coke) are heated to high temperatures in an electric furnace. This process forms SiC crystals and releases carbon dioxide as a by-product.
  • Uses
    • High-temperature semiconductor devices like diodes, MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors).
    • Abrasive materials such as grinding wheels, sandpapers, cutting tools, and bulletproof vests.
    • Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles for power conversion, improving energy efficiency and reducing heat generation.
    • Solar power inverters, LEDs and Aerospace components.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi attending the ceremony