Acheson process

The Acheson process is a process to synthesize graphite and silicon carbide, named after its inventor Edward Goodrich Acheson.

The process consists of heating a mixture of silica or quartz sand and powdered coke (carbon) in an iron bowl. Acheson, in 1890, originally attempted to synthesize artificial diamond, but ended up creating blue crystals of silicon carbide, which he called carborundum. When heated to 4150 °C, the silicon is removed, leaving graphite. The process was patented by Acheson in 1896. After discovering this process, Acheson developed an efficient electric furnace based on resistive heating, the design of which is the basis of most silicon carbide manufacturing today. Silicon carbide was a useful material in jewelry making due to its abrasive properties, and this was the first commercial application of the Acheson process.