What is the difference between aluminum oxide and silicon carbide?

What’s the difference between silicon carbide and aluminum oxide? Both materials are loose abrasives, but silicon carbide is a harder material and will take longer to break down when you use it. Aluminum oxide is generally less expensive, but you’ll end up using more of it to accomplish your grinding or sandblasting.Click to see full answer. Consequently, which is better silicon carbide or aluminum oxide?Silicon carbide is a sharper and harder grain compared to aluminum oxide, but silicon carbide is less durable because it is brittle and has a more narrow shape that wears down at an increased rate. For finishing, nothing is better than silicon carbide because it’s very forgiving.Also, what is the best sandpaper for aluminum? It’s recommended to use aluminum oxide sandpaper or silicon carbide sandpaper when polishing metal; aluminum oxide is the best option for polishing hard metals such as iron and steel, and silicon carbide is good for softer metals such as aluminum and brass. In respect to this, what is silicon carbide sandpaper used for? Silicon carbide sandpaper removes material more quickly than aluminum oxide but doesn’t last as long. Use it on wood, plastic and metal for tasks, such as rough sanding, paint or rust removal and sanding between coats when finishing. Use it on drywall to smooth joints.What is the hardest sandpaper?Silicon Carbide: Sandpaper with a silicone carbide abrasive is very hard, harder than either aluminum oxide or garnet. This hardness makes it a great choice for sanding metal, for paint removal, and for use on plastic and fiberglass.