Silicon Nitride Nanopowder Water Dispersion (Si₃N₄, 99+%, 10 wt%, 15–30 nm) is a water-based suspension containing high-purity silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) nanoparticles. This dispersion combines the exceptional properties of silicon nitride with the convenience of a water-based system, offering enhanced performance in various applications. Below are the key details of this material:
1. Composition:
- Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄):
- Silicon nitride is a ceramic material known for its outstanding mechanical properties, including high strength, toughness, and wear resistance. It also has excellent thermal stability and resistance to oxidation, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
- Purity (99+%):
- The 99+% purity indicates that the silicon nitride nanoparticles consist predominantly of Si₃N₄, with minimal impurities. High purity ensures consistent and reliable performance in sensitive applications.
- Particle Size (15–30 nm):
- The Si₃N₄ nanoparticles in this dispersion are in the 15–30 nanometer size range, which provides a high surface area, increasing the material’s reactivity and ensuring better integration into systems for a range of applications.
- Concentration (10 wt% in Water):
- The dispersion contains 10% by weight of silicon nitride nanoparticles in water, providing a moderate concentration suitable for various industrial, scientific, and engineering applications.
- Water-Based Dispersion:
- The nanoparticles are dispersed in water, making this formulation easy to handle, environmentally friendly, and suitable for integration into water-based systems.
2. Key Properties:
- High Hardness:
- Silicon nitride is one of the hardest known ceramics, with superior resistance to wear and abrasion, making it ideal for demanding mechanical applications.
- High Toughness:
- Unlike other ceramics, silicon nitride exhibits high fracture toughness, which allows it to resist cracking under stress, enhancing its performance in structural applications.
- Excellent Thermal Stability:
- Si₃N₄ has excellent thermal properties, with the ability to withstand high temperatures without degradation, making it ideal for high-temperature applications.
- Electrical Insulation:
- Silicon nitride is an electrical insulator, making it suitable for use in electronic components where electrical conductivity is not desired.
- Chemical Inertness:
- Silicon nitride is chemically inert and resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and most acids and bases, making it suitable for harsh environments.
- High Surface Area:
- The 15–30 nm particle size range increases the surface area of the nanoparticles, enhancing their reactivity and improving their performance in various applications, such as coatings and composites.
3. Applications:
- Advanced Ceramics:
- Silicon nitride is widely used in advanced ceramics due to its high strength, toughness, and wear resistance. It is used in components such as bearings, cutting tools, and turbine blades.
- Composites:
- Si₃N₄ nanoparticles are used to reinforce composite materials, improving their mechanical properties, thermal stability, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
- Coatings:
- Wear-Resistant Coatings: Si₃N₄ is used in coatings to enhance wear resistance in industrial applications such as machinery and automotive parts.
- Thermal Barrier Coatings: Used in high-temperature applications, such as turbine engines and exhaust systems, to provide thermal insulation and protect materials from heat damage.
- Electronics and Semiconductors:
- As an electrical insulator, silicon nitride is used in semiconductor applications such as insulating layers in microelectronics and integrated circuits.
- Biomedical Applications:
- Silicon nitride is biocompatible and is used in medical devices, including implants and prosthetics, due to its strength, chemical resistance, and ability to integrate with bone tissue.
- Thermal Management:
- The high thermal conductivity and thermal stability of silicon nitride make it suitable for thermal management applications, including heat exchangers and components in high-performance electronics.
- Catalysis:
- Si₃N₄ nanoparticles can be used as catalysts or supports for catalytic processes due to their chemical inertness and surface area.
4. Advantages:
- Superior Mechanical Properties:
- Silicon nitride offers a combination of high strength, toughness, and wear resistance, making it ideal for demanding mechanical applications.
- Thermal Stability:
- With its ability to withstand high temperatures without degradation, silicon nitride is well-suited for use in high-temperature environments.
- High Surface Area:
- The nanoparticle size of 15–30 nm increases the reactivity of the material, improving its effectiveness in applications like coatings, composites, and catalysis.
- Electrical Insulation:
- As a highly effective electrical insulator, Si₃N₄ is ideal for use in electronic applications where electrical conductivity is not desired.
- Chemical Resistance:
- The material is resistant to corrosion, oxidation, and most acids and bases, making it suitable for use in harsh environments.
- Water-Based Formulation:
- The dispersion is environmentally friendly and easy to handle compared to solvent-based alternatives. It is also compatible with water-based systems, reducing the need for additional dispersing agents.
5. Handling and Storage:
- Handling:
- Shake or stir the dispersion before use to ensure the silicon nitride nanoparticles are evenly distributed.
- Protective equipment (gloves, goggles) should be worn to avoid direct contact with the dispersion, especially when handling concentrated dispersions.
- Storage:
- Store the dispersion in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat to maintain the stability of the nanoparticles.
- Keep the container sealed to prevent evaporation or contamination of the dispersion.
- Safety:
- Silicon nitride is generally safe to handle, but it is important to avoid inhaling dust or mist and to handle the dispersion in a well-ventilated area.
Silicon Nitride Nanopowder Water Dispersion (Si₃N₄, 99+%, 10 wt%, 15–30 nm) is a high-performance material that combines the excellent mechanical properties of silicon nitride with the convenience of a water-based system. Its high purity, small particle size, and superior characteristics make it ideal for advanced ceramics, coatings, composites, electronics, and high-temperature applications. The dispersion offers enhanced reactivity and improved performance, particularly in wear-resistant, thermally stable, and chemically inert environments.