Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) - properties & applications

Sample Products

Si3N4 Ceramics | Silicon Nitride Machining

Ceramic Plungers

Silicon Nitride Ceramics Si3N4

Silicon nitride ceramics is superior to other materials due to its thermal shock resistance. It does not deteriorate at high temperatures, so it’s used for automotive engines and parts for gas turbines, including the turbocharger rotor.
Ortech offers a complete family of Silicon Nitride materials. These materials have the following key characteristics: No adhesive wear against steel, Twice as hard as tool steel, Good chemical resistance and 60% less weight than steel.

Manufacturing Options

Isostatic pressing
Die Pressing
Injection molding

Advanced Finishing Services

Precision grinding and lapping
Laser machining
Engineering design and support
Complex cleanroom assemblies

Material Properties Silicon Nitride

General

Density	gm/cc	3.20
Crystal Size (Average)	Microns	–
Water absorption (open porosity)	%	0
Gas permeability	%	0
Color	¯	Gray

Mechanical

Flexural Strength (MOR) 20°C	MPa (psi x 10³)	900
Elastic Modulus 20°C	GPa (psi x 10⁶)	315
Poisson’s Ratio 20°C	¯	–
Compressive Strength 20°C	MPa (psi x 10³)	2500
Hardness	GPa (kg/mm²)	16
	R45N	–
Tensile Strength 25°C	MPa (psi x 10³)	–
Fracture Toughness K(I c)	mpa m^1/2	7.5

Thermal

Thermal Conductivity 20°C	W/m K	19
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 25-1000°C	X 10-6/°C	3.1
Specific Heat 100°C	880 J/kg*K	800
Thermal Shock Resistance ΔTc	°C	–
Maximum Use Temperature	°C	1400

Electrical

Dielectric Strength 6.35mm	ac-kV/mm (ac V/mil)	15
Dielectric Constant 1 MHz	25°C	–
Dielectric Loss (tan delta) 1 MHz	25°C	–
Volume Resistivity 25°C	ohm-cm
500°C	ohm-cm
1000°C	ohm-cm

Notes

*The chart is intended to illustrate typical properties. Property values vary with method of manufacture, size, and shape of part. Data contained herein is not to be construed as absolute and does not constitute a representation or warranty for which Ortech, Inc. assumes legal responsibility.