Silicon nitride is an advanced inorganic compound with the chemical formula Si₃N₄, typically appearing as a light off-white powder. It is produced either by heating silicon powder in a nitrogen atmosphere or by reacting silicon halides with ammonia gas.

This material is chemically stable, showing strong resistance to corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures. It is inert to most inorganic acids, with the exception of hydrofluoric acid.

As a high-performance ceramic material, silicon nitride is widely recognized for its excellent mechanical strength, thermal shock resistance, and wear resistance. In addition to silicon nitride, we also supply ferroalloy nitride products including ferrosilicon nitride, ferrochrome nitride, and silicomanganese nitride to meet a variety of industrial needs.

Silicon nitride composition

Silicon Nitride Powder

Features of Silicon Nitride Powder

1. Excellent Corrosion and Thermal Shock Resistance

Suitable for use at temperatures up to 1900°C, silicon nitride powder offers outstanding durability in harsh environments.

2. Superior Mechanical Strength

It exhibits high strength, wear resistance, and fracture toughness, making it suitable for demanding structural applications.

3. Stable Chemical Properties

Maintains chemical stability and thermal conductivity even under high-temperature conditions.

4. Low Thermal Expansion

Contains nitrides with a low expansion coefficient, ensuring dimensional stability during thermal cycling.

5. High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance

Forms a protective oxide film during long-term use, preventing further chemical reactions and protecting the material’s internal structure.

6. Minimal Shrinkage Upon Heating

Allows precise dimensional control during sintering and high-temperature processing.

Application of Silicon Nitride

1. Ceramic Components

Silicon nitride is widely used to manufacture high-performance ceramic parts such as bearings, turbine blades, and engine components due to its high strength and thermal stability.

2. Cutting Tools and Abrasives

Its excellent hardness and wear resistance make silicon nitride an ideal material for cutting tools, grinding wheels, and abrasive applications.

3. Electronics and Semiconductors

Used as an insulating material and protective coating in semiconductor devices because of its excellent electrical insulation and thermal conductivity.

4. Automotive and Aerospace Industries

Silicon nitride components are used to reduce weight and improve heat resistance in automotive engines, aerospace turbines, and other high-temperature applications.

5. Refractory Materials

Due to its strong corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance at high temperatures, silicon nitride is used in refractory linings and kiln furniture.

Production Process of Silicon Nitride

1. Direct Nitridation

Silicon powder is heated in a nitrogen atmosphere at high temperatures (usually above 1400°C) to react and form silicon nitride (Si₃N₄).

2. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)

Silicon-containing gases react with nitrogen or ammonia in a controlled environment to deposit silicon nitride coatings or powders.

3. Reaction of Silicon Halides and Ammonia

Silicon halides (e.g., SiCl₄) react with ammonia gas at elevated temperatures to synthesize silicon nitride powders.

4. Hot Pressing and Sintering

The silicon nitride powder is compacted and sintered under high temperature and pressure to form dense ceramic bodies with enhanced mechanical properties.

Silicon Nitride Powder Supplier - Hongshun

Hongshun supplies ceramic-grade silicon nitride powder with the advantages of high alpha phase content, high powder purity, narrow grain size distribution, and excellent sintering activity.

• The purity is high, with impurity content generally less than 200 ppm.

• The powder exhibits good dispersibility, a uniform and reasonable particle size distribution, and stable performance.

• It features a high content of α phase and strong sintering activity.

• It is ideal for products requiring high sintering performance, such as silicon nitride cutting tools and bearing balls.