Silicon nitride and sialon ceramics are fascinating materials that are making significant impacts in advanced materials engineering. These ceramics are known for their unique properties and versatility, making them ideal choices for high performance applications across various industries. In part one of this three-part series, we will delve into the fundamental characteristics of the materials and explore their unique microstructures and the advantages they offer.
Silicon nitride, like many other advanced ceramics, is a covalently bonded inorganic material. However, its unique sintered microstructure features whisker or needle-shaped grains. These elongated grains help deflect cracks, thus enhancing toughness.
Sialon (Si-Al-O-N) is a material that forms when some of the silicon atoms in the silicon nitride structure are substituted by aluminum atoms, and nitrogen is replaced by oxygen through proper chemistry and additives. Sialons enhance hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature thermal shock resistance compared to silicon nitride, with a marginal drop in strength and toughness.
Electron microscope image of silicon nitride: elongated beta-silicon nitride grains visible
Electron microscope image of sialon: elongated beta-sialon and equiaxed alpha-sialon grains visible
Electron microscope image of crack deflection in a sialon
The chart below shows application spaces of some common advanced ceramics.
Over Alumina: Comparable density, thermal insulation, corrosion and wear resistance, much better strength, toughness and thermal shock resistance.
Over Zirconia: Particularly for high temperature applications requiring strength, at nearly 50% weight savings. Better wear resistance at any temperature using sialons.
Over silicon carbide: Comparable corrosion and high temperature resistance. Much better strength, toughness and thermal insulation.
Ideal for applications involving high temperature, thermal shock, wear, mechanical fatigue, friction, weight sensitivity, corrosion, heat transfer, biocompatibility and more.
Silicon nitride is utilized across various industries for a wide range of components. Here are some key sectors and the types of parts where silicon nitride and sialon are commonly used:
As we continue to explore these materials, we will uncover more about their processing techniques and real-world applications, highlighting their critical role in today’s manufacturing processes.
ISO Catalog Number
ANSI Catalog Number
to find similar products.Please select a file to download
Models
. Please enter the desired qty for the material(s) you want to include in your promotion or Proceed Without Promotion and only your base materials will be added to the cart.
Minimum quantity should be
| SAP Material Number | ISO Catalog Number | Grade |
|---|
You are about to leave the Solution building process.
Are you sure you want to leave?
