窒化ケイ素 (Si3N4) は 60% lighter than steel but strong enough to survive some of the most demanding applications in a variety of industries. This lightweight, high-strength ceramic material is used as an alternative to stainless steel, super alloys, tungsten carbides and first-generation ceramics such as Al2O3 and ZrO2. It offers excellent thermal shock resistance and high fracture toughness, compatibility with nonferrous metal melts, and improved structural reliability compared to other ceramic materials.