Acheson, Silicon Carbide, and the Electric Arc

Abstract

This historical article looks at the technological discovery of Edward Goodrich Acheson of silicon carbide as one of the number of technological discoveries of the end of 19th century based on the use of electricity and electric arch. The discovery of silicon carbide, knows as its trade name Carborundum is placed in perspective with other discoveries, such as the Hall-Heroult process of making aluminum, the design of laboratory electric furnace by H. Moissan and the use of electric arc for general lighting. While the discovery and first manufacturing occurred in the USA, the technology quickly spread though patent licensing to Europe.This historical article looks at the technological discovery of Edward Goodrich Acheson of silicon carbide as one of the number of technological discoveries of the end of 19th century based on the use of electricity and electric arch. The discovery of silicon carbide, knows as its trade name Carborundum is placed in perspective with other discoveries, such as the Hall-Heroult process of making aluminum, the design of laboratory electric furnace by H. Moissan and the use of electric arc for general lighting. While the discovery and first manufacturing occurred in the USA, the technology quickly spread though patent licensing to Europe.