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Non-oxide Ceramics Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)

The Ceramic Material for Extreme Applications


Silicon nitrides (Si3N4) feature an excellent combination of material properties. They are
nearly as light as silicon carbide (SiC), but their microstructure gives them excellent
thermal shock resistance and their high fracture toughness makes them resistant to
impacts and shocks.
Worth knowing:

Properties of Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)

Very low density (3.21 g/cm3)

Very high fracture toughness (7 MPam1/2)

Good flexural strength (850 MPa)

Very good thermal shock resistance: High thermal stress parameters (569 K)

Maximum operating temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere: 1,300C

Maximum operating temperature in a neutral atmosphere: 1,600C

The microstructure consists of elongated crystals that interlock into micro-rods. One application where
this combination of properties has proven particularly useful is the machining of gray cast iron or cast iron
with ceramic inserts. Unlike hard metals or other cutting materials, machining processes can be
performed with ceramic inserts at maximum speed without the use of cooling lubricants. The combination
of good tribological properties and excellent fracture toughness makes silicon nitride ceramics
predestined for applications as balls and rolling elements for light and extremely precise bearings, heavyduty ceramic forming tools and automotive components subject to high stress. And the good thermal
shock resistance and high temperature resistance is exploited in welding processes.

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