Aluminum NiSiC Plated Cylinders for Porsche. Twice as Strong and Twice the Cooling Capacity of the Original Aluminum or Biral Cylinders. Developed by Mahle, the Nikasil? process used by Mahle and QSC?s similar silicon carbide composite (NiSiC) plating, consist of silicon carbide in a nickel matrix. Silicon carbide is used partly for its uniform particle size, and partly for its hardness. Silicon carbide is second only to diamonds in hardness and therefore provides excellent wear characteristics. Another reason that silicon carbide is used is that it has a natural tendency to absorb oil, which helps the oil retention of the coating for superior lubrication.