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Silicon Nitride Properties and Applications

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The different forms of silicon nitride have their own properties that define them and determine their applications. These materials are typically synthesised by a reaction of metallic silicon and gaseous nitrogen, which is carefully pressed and sintered. This process adds specific strengths to the material and determines its end use.

Si3N4 has been the focus of much research for its excellent strength and toughness, but the material has many other properties that make it a valuable engineering ceramic. These include:

High Temperature Resistance

Because it is resistant to the oxidation of most acids and bases, silicon nitride is often used in the fabrication of components that operate in extreme temperature environments such as molten metal handling. It can also withstand the fast thermal changes that are encountered when exposed to abrasive or aggressive chemical substances.

Stability against Corrosion

Because of its strong atomic bonding, silicon nitride resists corrosion even when subjected to acidic and basic solutions at room temperature. This property makes it a viable choice for biomedical implants in the body’s aqueous environment.

Low Density

Because it possesses extremely low density, silicon nitride is a good choice for bearings and other rotating parts where both weight and strength are critical. In fact, fully dense Si3N4 has been shown to outperform high-performance bearing steel in rolling contact fatigue tests.

Other important mechanical and thermal properties include high tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture toughness and abrasion wear resistance. These properties make silicon nitride an attractive alternative to other ceramic-based materials in the engineered wear and combustion parts industry.