There are a few reasons why silicon carbide (SiC) is expensive:
Raw materials: SiC is made from high-purity silicon and carbon. Both of these materials are expensive and require a lot of energy to produce.
Process complexity: Making SiC involves several complex steps, including high-temperature reactions and precision material shaping. This requires costly equipment and skilled operators.
Limited production: SiC is not produced in large quantities due to its relatively low demand. This limits economies of scale and increases the cost per unit.
Quality control: SiC is used in high-performance applications where even small defects can cause failure. This requires strict quality control measures, which increase the cost of production.