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C/C-SiC vs SiC/SiC

Composite · grade comparison

C/C-SiC and SiC/SiC are both composite grades. SiC/SiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for C/C-SiC, about 173% more. SiC/SiC is the more ductile: elongation 0.6% versus 0.3% for C/C-SiC. C/C-SiC is lighter (1.95 g/cm³ vs 2.5 g/cm³ for SiC/SiC) and SiC/SiC is stiffer (230 GPa vs 60 GPa).

C/C-SiCChoose it when weight is the constraint.

SiC/SiCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C/C-SiC vs SiC/SiC: properties

C/C-SiCSiC/SiC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

60 GPa8.7 Msi
230 GPa33.4 Msi

Shear Modulus

25 GPa3.6 Msi
95 GPa13.8 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

110 MPa16 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.3%
0.6%

Compressive Strength

260 MPa37.7 ksi
600 MPa87 ksi

Compressive Modulus

60 GPa8.7 Msi
230 GPa33.4 Msi

Flexural Strength

230 MPa33.4 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Flexural Modulus

60 GPa8.7 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Shear Strength

28 MPa4.1 ksi
38 MPa5.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

5 MPa·√m4.6 ksi·√in
25 MPa·√m22.8 ksi·√in

Bulk Modulus

—
120 GPa17.4 Msi

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.18

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

1.95 g/cm³0.07 lb/in³
2.5 g/cm³0.09 lb/in³

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

20 W/m·K11.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
15 W/m·K8.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
700 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

1.5 µm/m·K0.83 µin/in·°F
4.3 µm/m·K2.4 µin/in·°F

Min Service Temperature

-180°C-292 °F
-200°C-328 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

1,700°C3,092 °F
1,600°C2,912 °F

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 1,350°C2,462 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

5×10⁻⁴ Ω·m19,685 µΩ·in
0.1 Ω·m3,937,000 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

75 / 100
88 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

98 / 100
100 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

8 / 100
4 / 100

Polishability

40 / 100
55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

900 MJ/kg386,931 BTU/lb
1,500 MJ/kg644,885 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

60 kg CO₂/kg
110 kg CO₂/kg

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

56 kN·m/kg
120 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

30.8 MN·m/kg
92 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

11.4 mm²/s
8.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

24
5

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

1101001,000510Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityC/C-SiCSiC/SiC
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

C/C-SiC vs SiC/SiC — frequently asked

Is SiC/SiC stronger than C/C-SiC?

Yes. SiC/SiC has a typical tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for C/C-SiC — about 173% more.

Which is cheaper, C/C-SiC or SiC/SiC?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

When should I choose C/C-SiC over SiC/SiC?

Pick C/C-SiC when weight is the constraint. Pick SiC/SiC when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C/C-SiC and SiC/SiC side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.