A threefold expansion of Denka's silicon nitride ceramic substrate manufacturing is planned for January 2019. Silicon nitride is used in automotive applications, so the expansion will help the company meet that demand. Construction was scheduled for 2020–21.
Kyocera announced its intentions to acquire HC Starck, which produces silicon nitride powder, in February 2019. The acquisition provides the company with solidified backward integration and strengthens its presence throughout the silicon nitride value chain.
Silicon nitride is widely used in automobile engines and gas turbine parts, including turbocharger rotors, which is the main factor responsible for driving global silicon nitride markets. In addition to its beneficial properties, silicon nitride is a material that exhibits no adhesive wear against steel, is twice as hard as tool steel, and is 60% more lightweight than steel. As an important driver of the global silicon nitride market, silicon nitride ceramics are used in the manufacture of lightweight and efficient power electronics for hybrids and electric vehicles.
In addition to the benefits of electric and hybrid vehicles in terms of cost and the environment, the increasing adoption of government initiatives and regulations is expected to increase demand for silicon nitride. As a result of Tesla's introduction of the Model S sedan and the Model X SUV in February 2017, the International Atomic Energy Agency has identified an increase in silicon nitride demand in the UAE.
Furthermore, gas turbine engines, engine nozzles, tail cones, nose caps, rudders, fins, leading edges, body flaps, and panel components are all experiencing a tremendous increase in demand for materials that meet the rigors of extreme operating environments. Aside from manufacturing surgical screws, plates, and bearings used in prosthetic hips, knee joints, and dental implants, silicon nitride is also used in the manufacture of surgical screws, plates, and bearings. Silica nitride's biocompatibility, bioactivity, and bacteria resistance make it ideal for bone implants. In addition to cervical spacers and spinal fusion devices, silicon nitride is also used in composite materials.
Due to the increasing use of silicon nitride in various applications, manufacturers are focusing on strategic growth initiatives such as expansion, product launches, and agreements.
July, 2022: Toshiba Materials in Major Investment to Increase Silicon Nitride Ball Production CapacityToshiba Materials Co., Ltd. announced a major investment in a new manufacturing facility for silicon nitride balls on the same site as its headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. The project has a budget of over 5-billion yen (approx. US$38 million) and is expected to see production start in November 2023. It will increase capacity by 50% against fiscal year 2021.Continued advances in automobile electrification requires solutions that go beyond higher voltage batteries and shorter charging times.
One measure to reduce costs and improve performance is the integration of motors and inverters. Although this increases risk of electrolytic corrosion in motor bearings, the problem can be overcome with hybrid bearings, which replace standard steel balls with ceramic balls with steel inner and outer races. Advantages of high reliability, excellent strength and superior wear resistance are increasingly positioning ceramic balls as the solution of choice.Toshiba Group has long recognized the potential of fine ceramic products, and won basic patents for silicon nitride compounds as early as 1974.
Today, Toshiba Materials, spun off from Toshiba in October 2003, continues to advance R&D and manufacturing of silicon nitride balls, recognized for their reliability and for delivering the highest mechanical performance of any silicon balls. Its experience and record of success in bearing balls that meet demands for high speed rotation and anti-electrolytic corrosion, including machine tools, wind power generators and rolling stock, have won the company about 50% of the world market. With significant increases in demand for bearings for electric vehicles on the horizon, Toshiba Materials has now decided to make this significant investment in increasing capacity.
Q2 2024: Kyocera Develops New Silicon Nitride Substrate for Power Electronics Kyocera announced the launch of a new silicon nitride substrate designed for next-generation power modules, targeting the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. The product aims to improve thermal conductivity and reliability in high-power applications.
Q1 2024: Denka Expands Silicon Nitride Production Capacity at Chiba Plant Denka completed an expansion of its Chiba manufacturing facility, increasing its annual silicon nitride output by 30% to meet rising demand from the automotive and semiconductor industries.
Q3 2024: UBE Corporation Signs Supply Agreement for Silicon Nitride with Major EV Manufacturer UBE Corporation entered into a multi-year supply agreement to provide silicon nitride materials for use in electric vehicle powertrains, marking a significant contract win in the mobility sector.
Q2 2024: Morgan Advanced Materials Launches High-Performance Silicon Nitride Bearings for Aerospace Morgan Advanced Materials introduced a new line of silicon nitride bearing components specifically engineered for aerospace applications, offering improved wear resistance and reduced weight.
Q1 2025: CeramTec Opens New Silicon Nitride Component Manufacturing Facility in Germany CeramTec inaugurated a new facility dedicated to the production of advanced silicon nitride components, aiming to serve the growing European demand in medical and industrial markets.
Q2 2025: Toshiba Materials Announces Strategic Partnership with U.S. Medical Device Firm for Silicon Nitride Implants Toshiba Materials entered a strategic partnership with a U.S.-based medical device company to co-develop and supply silicon nitride materials for next-generation orthopedic implants.
Q3 2024: Hitachi Metals Secures Major Contract to Supply Silicon Nitride for Wind Turbine Bearings Hitachi Metals won a contract to supply silicon nitride bearing balls for use in offshore wind turbines, supporting the renewable energy sector's push for higher efficiency and durability.
Q4 2024: Momentive Technologies Announces $50 Million Investment in Silicon Nitride R&D Momentive Technologies committed $50 million to expand research and development of silicon nitride materials, focusing on applications in semiconductors and high-performance electronics.
Q2 2025: Kyocera Appoints New Head of Silicon Nitride Business Unit Kyocera announced the appointment of Dr. Yuki Tanaka as the new head of its Silicon Nitride Business Unit, signaling a renewed focus on innovation and global expansion.
Q1 2024: CoorsTek Launches Next-Generation Silicon Nitride Tubes for Industrial Furnaces CoorsTek introduced a new series of silicon nitride tubes designed for use in high-temperature industrial furnaces, offering enhanced thermal shock resistance and longer service life.
Q3 2025: Saint-Gobain Acquires Silicon Nitride Specialist for Undisclosed Sum Saint-Gobain completed the acquisition of a European silicon nitride component manufacturer, expanding its advanced ceramics portfolio and strengthening its position in the energy and electronics sectors.
Q2 2024: 3M Announces Exit from Silicon Nitride Business, Sells Assets to Private Equity Firm 3M announced its decision to exit the silicon nitride business, selling its related assets and intellectual property to a private equity firm as part of a strategic portfolio realignment.
