Market Note: Green Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Green silicon carbide (SiC) is a high-purity form of silicon carbide with a characteristic green color, produced through the Acheson process under carefully controlled conditions. The key difference between green and black SiC lies in their purity levels and electrical properties. Green SiC contains fewer impurities and has a more uniform crystal structure, resulting in superior electrical characteristics. This makes green SiC particularly valuable for applications requiring high performance and reliability, such as power electronics and optoelectronics.
In silicon wafer manufacturing, green SiC is preferred for its exceptional electrical and thermal properties. Its wide bandgap, high breakdown electric field strength, and excellent thermal conductivity make it ideal for high-power and high-temperature applications. Compared to traditional silicon, green SiC allows for devices that can operate at higher voltages, frequencies, and temperatures with lower power losses. These properties give green SiC significant competitive advantages in power electronics for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and 5G infrastructure, where efficiency and performance are critical.
The global silicon carbide market, encompassing both black and green SiC, was valued at $3.30 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2023 to 2030. While specific data for green SiC is not provided, it is expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall market due to increasing demand in high-tech applications. This rapid growth is driven by the expanding electric vehicle market, investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and the rollout of 5G networks, all of which benefit from the superior properties of green SiC.
Pricing in the green SiC industry is influenced by several factors, including production costs, wafer size and quality, and demand from end-use industries. The energy-intensive production process and the need for high-purity raw materials contribute significantly to costs. As demand grows, especially for large-diameter wafers used in power electronics, prices have remained relatively high. However, ongoing efforts to improve manufacturing processes and increase production capacity may lead to gradual price reductions in the future, potentially accelerating adoption across various applications.