Reciprocating Engines

• The biggest use of silicon nitride is for the reciprocation of both diesel as well as spark-ignited engines for use in combustion components and wear parts. The factors attached to the costs of mass producing ceramic components that are complex have restricted the growth of reciprocating engines. Silicon nitrate is used in diesel engine components for glow plugs that enable a faster start-up, as well as turbochargers for less engine lag. Silicon nitrate is used in spark-ignited engines as rocker arm pads for reduced wear and for exhaust gas control valves.
  
  

Metal Working

• Another use for silicon nitride is for metal working. Silicon nitride is capable of cutting hard steel, cast iron and nickel-based alloys with surface speeds about 25 times faster than a conventional material like tungsten carbide can, according to Azom. Silicon nitrate is capable of cutting these materials because of its thermal-shock resistance, its fracture toughness and its hot harness. Cutting tools made out of silicon nitrate are used in significant numbers over machine-cast iron in the car industry.
  
  

Bearings

• Silicon nitride is known to improve the performance of unlubricated and high-temperature ball and roller bearings, according to Azom. This is due to the high stiffness, low friction and wear resistance of fully dense silicon nitride. Most of the silicon nitride bearings are used for hybrid ball bearings. Hybrid ball bearings are bearings that feature steel races and ceramic balls. The applications for silicon-nitride ball bearings include vacuum pumps, machine tool spindles, and unlubricated dental drills that are also sterile.
  
  

Industrial Applications

• There exists a host of general industrial applications that can make use of the properties of silicon nitride. Reaction-bonded silicon nitride is often the type of silicon nitride used for industrial applications since the conditions of operation are less tough. Reaction-bonded silicon nitride is used in melting crucibles, thermocouple sheaths, nozzles and spouts for managing tin, zinc, lead alloys and molten aluminum. Another industrial application use for reaction-bonded silicon nitride is for arc welding nozzles. Reaction-bonded silicon nitride's electrical resistance and strength make it suitable for arc welding nozzles.