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C/SiC vs Mullite/Mullite

Composite · grade comparison

C/SiC and Mullite/Mullite are both composite grades. C/SiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Mullite/Mullite, about 15% more. In exchange, Mullite/Mullite is the more ductile: elongation 0.35% versus 0.3% for C/SiC. C/SiC is lighter (2.1 g/cm³ vs 2.7 g/cm³ for Mullite/Mullite) and Mullite/Mullite is stiffer (70 GPa vs 65 GPa).

C/SiCChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.

Mullite/MulliteChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

C/SiC vs Mullite/Mullite: properties

C/SiCMullite/Mullite

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

65 GPa9.4 Msi
70 GPa10.2 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.17
0.15

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

150 MPa21.8 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.3%
0.35%

Compressive Strength

500 MPa72.5 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Flexural Strength

220 MPa31.9 ksi
180 MPa26.1 ksi

Flexural Modulus

70 GPa10.2 Msi
65 GPa9.4 Msi

Shear Strength

28 MPa4.1 ksi
9 MPa1.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
9 MPa·√m8.2 ksi·√in

Compressive Modulus

—
65 GPa9.4 Msi

Same in both: Shear Modulus 25 GPa3.6 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.1 g/cm³0.08 lb/in³
2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Water Absorption (24 h)

0.2%
8%

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

20 W/m·K11.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
2 W/m·K1.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

750 J/kg·K0.18 BTU/lb·°F
1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

2.5 µm/m·K1.4 µin/in·°F
5.3 µm/m·K2.9 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,350°C2,462 °F
1,200°C2,192 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

1,650°C3,002 °F
1,300°C2,372 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

0.001 Ω·m39,370 µΩ·in
1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

—
8 kV/mm203 V/mil

Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)

—
5

Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)

—
0.003

Volume Resistivity

—
1×10¹² Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

80 / 100
90 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 100 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

10 / 100
15 / 100

Polishability

60 / 100
30 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

700 MJ/kg300,946 BTU/lb
550 MJ/kg236,458 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

45 kg CO₂/kg
40 kg CO₂/kg

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

71 kN·m/kg
48 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

31 MN·m/kg
25.9 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

12.7 mm²/s
0.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

18
1

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/SiCMullite/Mullite
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

C/SiC vs Mullite/Mullite — frequently asked

Is C/SiC stronger than Mullite/Mullite?

Yes. C/SiC has a typical tensile strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Mullite/Mullite — about 15% more.

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

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.

Which is easier to machine, C/SiC or Mullite/Mullite?

Mullite/Mullite. Its machinability rates poor (15/100) against not recommended (10/100) for C/SiC.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in C/SiC and Mullite/Mullite 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.