A properties comparison between Be and the paper's SiC ceramic is here [1]. Be is lower density, which would matter for payload mass. The SiC material has a mu

A properties comparison between Be and the paper's SiC ceramic is here [1]. Be is lower density, which would matter for payload mass. The SiC material has a much lower thermal expansion coefficient and change of CTE with temperature, both of which should reduce thermal deformation. [1] https://www.northropgrumman.com/wp-content/uploads/CERAFORM_SiC_DataSheet.pdf https://www.northropgrumman.com/wp-content/uploads/CERAFORM_...