SiC ‘Em: $6.1M to Superior Graphite to Develop US Manufacturing Sources
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Superior Graphite Co. in Chicago, IL received a $6.1 million technology investment agreement with cost-share contract to establish a domestic manufacturing base capable of supplying the DoD with silicon carbide powder. SiC is used as a key substrate for higher-performance, higher-expense Gallium Arsenide semiconductors. It is also a common component in ceramic vehicle armor and some body armors (some US body armors use boron carbide instead, which is lighter but highly toxic to manufacture; China is a major source of supply).
At this time, $3.1 million has been obligated. Solicitations began August 2006, negotiations were complete Jan. 2007, and work will be complete in June 2009. The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH issued the contract (FA8650-07-2-5308).
