Processing Techniques of a Silicon Carbide Heat Exchanger and its Capable Properties – A Review

Abstract

Silicon carbides is a composite ceramic material produced from inorganic non-metallic substances, formed from the molten mass which solidifies on cooling and simultaneously matured by the action of heat. It is used in various applications such as grinding wheels, filtration of gases and water, absorption, catalyst supports, concentrated solar powers, thermoelectric conversion etc. The modern usage of silicon carbide is fabricated as a heat exchanger for high temperature applications. Leaving behind steel and aluminium, silicon carbide has an excellent temperature withstanding capability of 1425°C. It is resistant to corrosion and chemical erosion. Modern fusion reactors, Stirling cycle based gas turbines, evaporators in evaporative cooling system for air condition and generator in LiBr/H2O absorption chillers for air conditioning those systems heat transfer rate can be improved by replacing a present heat exchanger with silicon carbide heat exchanger. This review presents a detailed discussion about processing technique of such a silicon carbide. Modern known processing techniques are partial sintering, direct foaming, replica, sacrificial template and bonding techniques. The full potential of these materials can be achieved when properties are directed over specified application. While eyeing over full potential it is highly dependent on processing techniques.