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Mullite/Mullite vs SiC/SiC

Composite · grade comparison

Mullite/Mullite and SiC/SiC are both composite grades. SiC/SiC is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Mullite/Mullite, about 131% more. SiC/SiC is the more ductile: elongation 0.6% versus 0.35% for Mullite/Mullite. SiC/SiC is lighter (2.5 g/cm³ vs 2.7 g/cm³ for Mullite/Mullite) and SiC/SiC is stiffer (230 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, Mullite/Mullite machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).

Mullite/MulliteChoose it when the part is machined in volume.

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

Mullite/Mullite vs SiC/SiC: properties

Mullite/MulliteSiC/SiC

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

70 GPa10.2 Msi
230 GPa33.4 Msi

Shear Modulus

25 GPa3.6 Msi
95 GPa13.8 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.15
0.18

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

130 MPa18.9 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.35%
0.6%

Compressive Strength

160 MPa23.2 ksi
600 MPa87 ksi

Compressive Modulus

65 GPa9.4 Msi
230 GPa33.4 Msi

Flexural Strength

180 MPa26.1 ksi
420 MPa60.9 ksi

Flexural Modulus

65 GPa9.4 Msi
210 GPa30.5 Msi

Shear Strength

9 MPa1.3 ksi
38 MPa5.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

9 MPa·√m8.2 ksi·√in
25 MPa·√m22.8 ksi·√in

Bulk Modulus

—
120 GPa17.4 Msi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.5 g/cm³0.09 lb/in³

Water Absorption (24 h)

8%
—

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

2 W/m·K1.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F
15 W/m·K8.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,000 J/kg·K0.24 BTU/lb·°F
700 J/kg·K0.17 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

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

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

1,200°C2,192 °F
1,350°C2,462 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

1,300°C2,372 °F
1,600°C2,912 °F

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

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in
0.1 Ω·m3,937,000 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

90 / 100
88 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 100 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

15 / 100
4 / 100

Polishability

30 / 100
55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

550 MJ/kg236,458 BTU/lb
1,500 MJ/kg644,885 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

40 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)

48 kN·m/kg
120 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.9 MN·m/kg
92 MN·m/kg

Thermal Diffusivity

0.7 mm²/s
8.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

1
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

CapabilityMullite/MulliteSiC/SiC
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Mullite/Mullite vs SiC/SiC — frequently asked

Is SiC/SiC stronger than Mullite/Mullite?

Yes. SiC/SiC has a typical tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for Mullite/Mullite — about 131% more.

Which is cheaper, Mullite/Mullite 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.

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

Mullite/Mullite. Its machinability rates poor (15/100) against not recommended (4/100) for SiC/SiC.

Ready to make it?

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