Tungsten vs Silicon Carbide for Wear Applications

When companies look for strong materials to resist wear, two of the most common choices are tungsten carbide and silicon carbide.

Both are very hard, both are reliable, and both are used in many industries such as mining, oil & gas, and chemical processing.

This article compares them side by side. We will look at their properties, strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications so that decision-makers can make the right choice.

What Is Tungsten Carbide?

Tungsten carbide (WC) is made by combining tungsten and carbon, usually with a metallic binder such as cobalt.

It is one of the hardest materials used in industry.

Hardness close to diamond.
Very dense and heavy.
High wear resistance under abrasion and impact.
Common in drilling, mining, and cutting tools.

What Is Silicon Carbide?

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a ceramic compound of silicon and carbon. It is also very hard but much lighter than tungsten carbide.

Hardness similar to tungsten carbide.
Lightweight structure, only 1/5 the density of tungsten carbide.
Excellent resistance to high temperature and corrosion.
Common in seals, pumps, and chemical industry parts.

Hardness and Mechanical Strength

Tungsten carbide: Very hard and also tough, resists cracks under impact.
Silicon carbide: Very hard but brittle, can break if subjected to shock.

Decision: If your application faces impact and abrasion, tungsten carbide is better.

Density and Weight

One of the biggest differences is weight:

Tungsten carbide: About 15 g/cm³, extremely heavy and strong.
Silicon carbide: About 3.2 g/cm³, much lighter.

This makes tungsten carbide suitable for stable, heavy-duty applications, while silicon carbide is better when weight reduction matters.

Wear Resistance

Both are excellent against wear, but in different ways:

Tungsten carbide: Best against abrasive and erosive particles.
Silicon carbide: Best against chemical wear and corrosive media.

Temperature Resistance

Tungsten carbide: Stable up to 600–700°C.
Silicon carbide: Can operate above 1000°C.

This makes SiC more reliable in extreme heat conditions.

Corrosion Resistance

Tungsten carbide: The cobalt binder can corrode in acids and chemicals.
Silicon carbide: Almost inert, outstanding resistance against corrosion.

For chemical plants and pumps, silicon carbide has the clear advantage.

Cost Considerations

Tungsten carbide: Higher cost because tungsten and cobalt are expensive.
Silicon carbide: Lower raw material cost, but brittleness can add risk.

Final cost depends on lifetime and downtime savings.

Typical Applications

Application	Tungsten Carbide	Silicon Carbide
Mining Tools	✔ Excellent for impact and abrasion	✘ Brittle, not ideal
Oil & Gas Drilling	✔ Common for inserts and sleeves	✘ Limited use
Chemical Processing	✘ Possible binder corrosion	✔ Excellent chemical resistance
Mechanical Seals	✔ Good with coatings	✔ Excellent, corrosion proof
Aerospace	✘ Too heavy	✔ Lightweight and heat resistant
Pumps & Valves	✔ Strong for abrasive slurries	✔ Strong for corrosive fluids

Key Takeaways for Decision-Makers

Choose tungsten carbide if your equipment faces abrasion and impact.
Choose silicon carbide if your equipment faces corrosion and high temperatures.
Some companies use both materials together for best performance.

Conclusion

Both tungsten carbide and silicon carbide are excellent materials for wear parts, but they serve different needs.

Decision-makers must evaluate their specific working environment before choosing. A well-matched material will increase service life, reduce downtime, and lower total cost of ownership.

If you want to know more details about any company, please feel free to contact us.