Silicon Nitride: What it is & Where it’s Used
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is one of the highest performing technical ceramics from across both the oxide and non-oxide groups. It was first developed in the 1960s when materials science and engineering was acknowledged as a field of study with comparable value to that of metallurgy. The underlying goal of most ceramics research in the ‘60s and ‘70s was to develop compact engineering materials with high strength, and toughness. Silicon nitride succeeded on all fronts.
Silicon Nitride—Chemistry & Microstructure
Silicon nitride is a ceramic that exists in three distinct crystallographic phases: α, β, and γ. Both alpha and beta-phase silicon nitride are comprised of corner-sharing, tetrahedral SiN4 with short, strong Si-N bonds. The result is an extremely rigid 3D framework of compactly layered silicon and nitrogen atoms.
The microstructure of silicon nitride ceramics is strongly dependent on the densification mechanism. Typically, α-Si3N4 is used as a starting powder as it transitions to the more chemically stable β-phase when fired. Although grain size and shape vary depending on the properties of the starting powder and the presence of additives, β-Si3N4 typically consists of elongated grains that interlock in a tightly compacted microstructure.
Properties of Silicon Nitride
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Low density (3.17 g/cm3)
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High fracture toughness (7 MPa m1/2)
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Excellent flexural strength (850 MPa)
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Exceptional thermal shock resistance
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High maximum operating temperatures
Silicon Nitride’s Key Applications
Silicon nitride can readily be deployed in some of the world’s toughest working environments, owing to its unique intersection of chemical and thermodynamic properties. Hot pressed silicon nitride offers excellent high-temperature performance and is ideal for seal face components challenging conditions, including boiler water reactor pumps, pressurized water reactor pumps, corrosive borated water service, and within rotating bearings.
Pump components comprised of silicon nitride are also used in the oil and gas sector, and throughout the petrochemical industry at large. The chemical integrity of Si3N4 makes it suitable for surfaces within pumps (impellers, shafts, seals, etc.) that routinely come into contact with abrasive slurries and corrosive fluids.
Interested in Silicon Nitride Products?
Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories has decades of expertise in the producing precision technical ceramics for tough industries. We have a solid grasp of the complexities associated with generating silicon nitride ceramics and are well-equipped to produce high-purity, hot pressed and sintered Si3N4 with minimal need for post-production grinding and finishing. This preserves the inherent mechanical strengths of silicon nitride and ensures the longevity of components.
