Saudi Arabia's Algosaibi Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Washington Mills Management of the USA and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan to build and operate a silicon carbide manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia.
Silicon carbide boasts a high thermal conductivity and thermal shock resistance. It can be used for slicing wafers for the photovoltaic industry and for diesel particulate filters. Products made from the material are also found in the manufacturing process of semiconductors, power lighting, switching and diodes.
“Silicon carbide is a highly added value project to the Saudi Arabian economy and its industrial landscape. It will enhance local manufacturing diversity and promote new industries and expand exports,” said Algosaibi Group managing director Saud Algosaibi.
The plant will originally have a production capacity of 24,000 metric tonnes per year and will be located in Jubail Industrial Park. It is hoped that production will begin in 2011.
“Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of first quality silicon carbide, particularly in the Asian markets. We believe that a Saudi plant will enable us to serve this fast growing market,” added Sumitomo’s general manager of industrial performance materials department, Rei Ito.
Source: Arabianoilandgas.com
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