Key properties of SiCAT beta SiC catalysts supports

SiCAT β-SiC extrudates are considered as particularly attractive catalyst support materials in selected catalytic processes, as they present a unique combination of properties:

• High pore volumes, consisting of meso and macro pores, with no microporosity (no pores with diameters of less than 5nm)
• Surface areas of 20 to 35m²/g
• Outstanding mechanical strength
• Exceptional resistance to the strongest acids and most bases, and to sulfation
• Good resistance to oxidation
• Weakly acidic/basic surface
• High thermal conductivity of silicon carbide as compared with all other ceramic material.

SiCAT β-SiC foams are made of a similar β-SiC material as extrudates; foams present a double porosity: the open cell porosity (80% to 90% void), for low pressure drop, and the porosity of the SiC struts which develops surface areas of 10 to 20 square meters per gram. Foams can be enveloped by a β- SiC skin of the same material.