Renewable energy production, such as wind and solar, as well as the increase in electric power usage by industry and automobiles has driven the need for greater efficiencies in energy transmission. High DC voltage transmission lines can be used to minimize energy losses, but operating at higher voltages creates mechanical stresses that can result in premature failure of critical components.

Washington Mills produces CARBOREX Silicon Carbide particles that are engineered to have nonlinear responses that dissipate the electric fields, reduce the electrical conductivity, and avoid stress concentrations in critical points. Silicon Carbide is always “on,” and therefore provides consistent and gradual electrical response across a wide range of electric fields. In addition, the high thermal conductivity of SiC powders enables different compounds to dissipate heat and avoid chemical and electrical degradation.

The incorporation of CARBOREX Silicon Carbide powders into a wide variety of materials operating in high electric fields and subject to high electric stress helps to manage and change the electrical fields in ways that increase the life of and reduce failures in critical electric components. Washington Mills controls the purity, particle size, shape, and electrical conductivity of its SiC powders, allowing CARBOREX Silicon Carbide to be tailored to and satisfy specific stringent requirements of a unique electrical application.