What is Si3N4 material?

Dec 05, 2025

Leave a message

Here's a table summarizing today's (September 2024) China export prices of ferro silicon nitride (FSN), including pricing terms, product grades, destination markets, and key influencing factors. All prices are based on current market inquiries, exchange rates (USD/CNY ≈ 7.3), and typical trade conditions.

Ferro Silicon Nitride (FSN) – China Export Prices Today (September 2024)

No.​
Destination / Region​
Grade / Specification​
FOB China Port (USD/MT)​
CIF Destination Port (USD/MT)​
Typical Port of Shipment​
Key Influences Today​
1
India​
Ordinary (Si₃N₄ ≈ 30%, 100 mesh)
1,100 – 1,300
1,250 – 1,450
Tianjin / Qingdao
10–15% import duty; peak steel demand post-monsoon
1
India​
High Purity (Si₃N₄ ≥ 50%, 200 mesh)
1,800 – 2,200
1,950 – 2,350
Tianjin / Qingdao
Anti-dumping risk for high purity; strong local demand
2
Vietnam​
Ordinary
1,050 – 1,250
1,200 – 1,400
Fangcheng / Shanghai
China–ASEAN FTA = 0% tariff; rising steel capacity transfer
2
Vietnam​
High Purity
1,700 – 2,100
1,850 – 2,250
Fangcheng / Shanghai
Short shipping distance keeps freight low ($50–80/MT)
3
Germany​
Ordinary
1,300 – 1,500
1,450 – 1,650
Shanghai / Ningbo
EU anti-dumping 5–10% on high-purity; CE needed
3
Germany​
High Purity
2,200 – 2,600
2,350 – 2,750
Shanghai / Ningbo
Premium refractories demand; higher logistics cost
4
Italy​
Ordinary
1,320 – 1,520
1,470 – 1,670
Shanghai / Ningbo
Euro strength pushes up price; CE mark mandatory
4
Italy​
High Purity
2,250 – 2,650
2,400 – 2,800
Shanghai / Ningbo
High-end metallurgy buyers prefer high purity
5
USA​
Ordinary
1,400 – 1,600
1,550 – 1,750
Shanghai / Lianyungang
ASTM A144 compliance; no extra tariff; long freight
5
USA​
High Purity
2,400 – 2,800
2,550 – 2,950
Shanghai / Lianyungang
EV battery sector demand; ocean freight $200–300/MT
6
Canada​
Ordinary
1,420 – 1,620
1,570 – 1,770
Qingdao / Shanghai
Winter freight surcharge +10–15%; clean raw material need
6
Canada​
High Purity
2,450 – 2,850
2,600 – 3,000
Qingdao / Shanghai
Refractory upgrade driven by environmental rules
7
Saudi Arabia​
Ordinary
1,200 – 1,400
1,350 – 1,550
Qingdao / Shanghai
Vision 2030 infra projects; zero local production
7
Saudi Arabia​
High Purity
2,000 – 2,400
2,150 – 2,550
Qingdao / Shanghai
Import-dependent market; stable demand
8
UAE​
Ordinary
1,180 – 1,380
1,330 – 1,530
Shanghai / Ningbo
Re-export hub; GCC tariff-free among members
8
UAE​
High Purity
1,950 – 2,350
2,100 – 2,500
Shanghai / Ningbo
Prices affected by regional re-export demand
9
Brazil​
Ordinary
1,250 – 1,450
1,400 – 1,600
Shanghai / Shenzhen
BRL weakness increases landed cost; iron ore industry use
9
Brazil​
High Purity
2,100 – 2,500
2,250 – 2,650
Shanghai / Shenzhen
Mining sector refractories; freight $120–180/MT
10
Turkey​
Ordinary
1,280 – 1,480
1,430 – 1,630
Lianyungang / Shanghai
Steel output #2 in Europe; transit role for Eurasia
10
Turkey​
High Purity
2,150 – 2,550
2,300 – 2,700
Lianyungang / Shanghai
Black Sea shipping risks affect freight stability

 

1. What Is Si₃N₄ Material?​

Definition, Composition, and Key Properties of Silicon Nitride
Si₃N₄​ (silicon nitride) is a high‑performance technical ceramic​ composed of silicon and nitrogen in a covalent network structure. It exists in several crystal forms, mainly α‑Si₃N₄​ and β‑Si₃N₄, with β being the most stable and commonly used for engineering applications.
Property
Typical Value / Description
Chemical formula
Si₃N₄
Molecular weight
140.28 g/mol
Crystal structure
Hexagonal (α and β phases)
Density
3.17–3.30 g/cm³
Hardness
~14–16 GPa (Vickers), Mohs ~9
Melting point
Decomposes ~1900 °C (no true melting)
Thermal expansion
Low (~3.2 × 10⁻⁶/K)
Thermal conductivity
20–30 W/(m·K) (relatively high for a ceramic)
Flexural strength
600–1000 MPa
Fracture toughness
5–7 MPa·m½
Key Characteristics
Exceptional hardness​ and wear resistance.
Excellent thermal shock resistance​ due to low thermal expansion and high strength at elevated temperatures.
Oxidation resistant​ up to ~1200–1300 °C in air.
Lightweight​ compared with many other high‑performance ceramics.
Good chemical stability in corrosive environments.
Si₃N₄ is produced by direct nitridation of silicon powder, carbothermal reduction of silica in nitrogen, or gas‑phase reactions​ (e.g., SiCl₄ + NH₃). The resulting powder is shaped and sintered (often with sintering aids like Y₂O₃, MgO) into near‑net or complex components.

 

2. What Is Si₃N₄ Used For?​

Industrial and Engineering Applications of Silicon Nitride
Thanks to its unique combination of properties, Si₃N₄ is used in high‑stress, high‑temperature, and wear‑critical​ applications across multiple industries.
Industry
Application
Reason for Using Si₃N₄
Automotive​
Turbocharger rotors, exhaust valves
High strength, light weight, excellent heat resistance
Bearings​
Hybrid and all‑ceramic ball/roller bearings
Low friction, high speed capability, long life
Cutting tools​
Inserts for machining hardened steels, cast iron
High hardness, thermal stability, wear resistance
Metalworking​
Welding pins, nozzles, dies
Resistance to thermal cycling and corrosion
Electronics​
Substrates, spacers, wafer carriers
Electrical insulation, high thermal conductivity
Medical​
Orthopedic implants, surgical instruments
Biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, mechanical compatibility
Aerospace​
Heat engine components, turbine parts
Weight savings, performance at high temperature
Advantages in Use
Longer service life​ due to wear and thermal resistance.
Enables higher operating speeds/temperatures​ than metals in many cases.
Reduces maintenance​ and downtime in critical machinery.
In medical implants, its bone‑like elastic modulus​ reduces stress shielding.

 

3. Is Si₃N₄ an Insulator?​

Electrical Properties and Conductivity of Silicon Nitride
Yes, Si₃N₄ is an electrical insulator.
Property
Value / Description
Electrical resistivity
~10¹⁴–10¹⁶ Ω·cm (at room temperature)
Dielectric strength
~10–20 kV/mm
Dielectric constant
~8–10 (depending on frequency and purity)
Explanation
The strong covalent Si–N bonds and lack of free electrons mean no significant electrical conduction​ occurs under normal conditions.
It behaves as an excellent electrical insulator​ even at elevated temperatures (retains insulating properties up to ~600–800 °C in certain atmospheres).
At the same time, it has relatively high thermal conductivity​ for a ceramic, making it valuable where electrical isolation​ and efficient heat dissipation​ are both needed (e.g., semiconductor equipment substrates).
Practical Implications
Used as an insulating component​ in high‑voltage and high‑temperature environments.
Ideal for electronic substrates​ where heat must be drawn away without creating electrical paths.
Unlike metals, Si₃N₄ will not conduct current, preventing short circuits in sensitive devices.
Conclusion:​ Si₃N₄ is a good electrical insulator​ with high thermal conductivity - a rare and useful combination for advanced engineering applications.

 

Visit https://www.metal-alloy.com/ to learn more about the product. If you would like to learn more about the product price or are interested in purchasing, please email market@zanewmetal.com. We will get back to you as soon as we see your message.

 

Get a Quote Today

 

Iron Silicon Alloy With 75 Silicon Silver Grey Powder For High Strength Alloy Steel Making

🏭 Why Choose ZhenAn?

 

We have a strong foundation and a customer-focused service attitude. Our products are exported to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America, earning high customer satisfaction.
Additionally, we have a professional R&D and sales team, as well as our own factory and laboratory.
Each batch of products undergoes rigorous inspection by our quality control team.
After passing a series of tests, our products are delivered to customers, ensuring quality assurance.
We offer customized products with different contents, standards, and specifications tailored to customer needs.

• Competitive prices
• Stock goods in multiple specifications
• Years of production and export experience
• Mature R&D and quality inspection teams ensuring stable and high quality

24-Hour Online Service
• Inquiries will be responded to within 2 hours.
• Fastest delivery times.
• Comprehensive thin-film analysis, material supply, and problem-solving services during the coating process.
• R&D services for customized new evaporation materials.
• ISO 9001:2008 and SGS certified; purity tested and safely transported.

one-stop solution

professional team

high quality