Historical Background and Present Status

Silicon carbide was first synthesized in 1891 by Acheson by passing an electric current through a mixture of carbon powder and clay. The material was originally thought to be a mixture of carbon and corundum (aluminum oxide) and trademarked Carborundum (CARBOncoRUNDUM). 

Acheson soon determined that it was actually silicon carbide. The product was an immediate commercial success as an abrasive.l K l 

The Acheson process is still the major production process. In the US, over 115,000 metric tons of silicon carbide were produced in 1994 with a value estimated at 40 million, much of viiich was for abrasives and metallurgical uses.1 1 

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Evaluating information on the site s physical, geographical, historical, and operational setting. Information should be evaluated to provide a historical perspective on the site, and describe its operations, current status, and the surrounding community. Once the important background details have been presented, the assessor should describe characteristics of populations on or near the site and the use of local land and resources. The text should state the total number of exposed and potentially exposed persons and indicate the characteristics of this population. Population estimates should include persons exposed in the past and present, as well as those at risk for future... 

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