Silicon Nitride Fibres
Advanced nano fibre additives for high performance engineered materials
Silicon Nitride Fibres are high performance nanofibres distinguished by their high strength and chemical resistance, making them a leading material for advanced composite applications and coatings systems. These fibres are produced in various grades to meet specific performance and cost requirements, ensuring versatility across industries. Applying this fibre leads to stronger, lighter, faster, safer and greener engineered materials.
- Mechanical Strength
Key properties of the evaluation grade silicon nitride fibre include high purity (at least 95%) and a composition typically consisting of 80% fibre by volume. This grade exhibits comparable performance to materials like carbon nanotubes,, and silicon carbide whiskers when incorporated into polymers and metals, enhancing mechanical properties. - Chemical and Thermal Stability
In composite applications, silicon nitride fibres are particularly effective when uniformly dispersed, leveraging proprietary dispersion technology for optimal performance. They demonstrate high-temperature stability, surviving processing temperatures exceeding 600°C in aluminium composites, and exhibit exceptional chemical stability against concentrated acids.- Aerospace: Used in structural components and composites to reduce weight while enhancing strength and heat resistance.
- Transportation / Mobility: Strengthening components to improve fuel efficiency and durability, particularly in engine parts and lightweight body panels.
- Marine: Enhancing the durability of marine-grade epoxies, ensuring longevity in harsh saltwater environments.
Manufacturing Excellence
Manufactured in various grades to meet specific performance needs, silicon nitride fibres are designed for optimal dispersion in composite materials and coatings systems. This ensures uniform reinforcement and maximum performance in finished products. Advanced manufacturing techniques such as vacuum infusion and resin transfer moulding leverage the ultrafine size of these fibres to seamlessly integrate into composite structures.
Case Studies:
- 30% increase in compressive strength of cavity filling foam with modified fibre added at just 0.2% by volume.
- 20% increase in epoxy strength with modified fibre added at between 0.15-0.2% by volume
- 40% increase in compressive strength of injection resins with modified fibre added at 0.2% by volume.
Silicon Nitride
Silicon nitride is highly regarded as a versatile engineering ceramic due to its wide adaptability and distinctive properties in various forms. At high temperatures, it exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, including low density, high bending strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness and high abrasion resistance. Its thermal properties are also noteworthy, with minimal expansion and high resistance to thermal shock, making it suitable for extreme temperature conditions. Additionally, silicon nitride shows excellent chemical stability against acids, bases, corrosive gases and liquid metals.
In high-performance bearing applications, fully dense silicon nitride has demonstrated superior performance overbearing steels, exhibiting ten times the longevity in Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) tests. Its low density reduces centrifugal stress on rotating bodies, comparable to aluminium but with higher tensile strength and outstanding flexural properties. These mechanical advantages, coupled with high fracture toughness and modulus, enable silicon nitride to withstand severe operational conditions without flaws or deformation.
Furthermore, silicon nitride boasts impressive thermal conductivity characteristics, crucial for demanding industrial applications where heat transfer efficiency is paramount. Its ability to maintain low thermal conductivity and thanks to its ceramic nature enhances its applicability in extreme temperature environments compared to metals.
The exceptional properties of Silicon Nitride make it highly valued across diverse industries.
- Medical Applications: Silicon nitride’s biocompatibility is particularly advantageous in medical applications. It is utilised in orthopaedic and dental implants, where it promotes osseointegration, reducing the risk of infection and supporting long-term implant success. This capability has been recognised in regulatory processes, such as its successful FDA 510(k) pre-submission, demonstrating its safety and efficacy in medical device applications.
- Industrial Uses: silicon nitride’s hardness, wear resistance, and ability to withstand thermal shock make it indispensable for critical components. It finds application in bearings, cutting tools and engine parts, ensuring durability and reliability under extreme conditions. Its mechanical strength contributes to enhanced efficiency and operational longevity in automotive, aerospace and manufacturing settings.
- Electronics and Semiconductors: Silicon nitride’s superior electrical insulation properties and thermal stability make it essential in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. It is used in substrates for integrated circuits, providing stability and reliability in high-frequency and power applications. Its resilience to high temperatures is beneficial in LED manufacturing and power module assemblies.
- Energy Industry: The material’s thermal conductivity and resistance to chemical corrosion are particularly valuable in the energy sector. Silicon nitride components are utilised in gas turbines, molten metal handling, and heat exchangers, improving energy efficiency and extending operational lifetimes in demanding environments.
The successful FDA 510(k) pre-submission underscores silicon nitride’s safety and performance in medical devices, reinforcing its position as a preferred material for advanced healthcare applications. Its versatility across industries continues to drive innovation and improve technological advancements globally.