Carborundum

the trade name of a compound of silicon and carbon. It is produced by fusing sand and carbon. The process was hit upon about 1890. Two electric furnaces at Niagara Falls are the chief source of the commercial supply. About 1,500 tons are made yearly. Carborundum has superior qualities as glazing for fireproof brick used in furnace buildings. Furnace linings may be protected by a paste of finely ground carborundum applied with a brush. It is used chiefly as a substitute for corundum and emery in the manufacture of "emery" wheels for grinding tools. See Corundum; Emery