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Sialons are advanced technical ceramics based on silicon nitride (Si₃N₄). They retain the thermodynamic stability and exceptional toughness properties of silicon nitride due to their isostructural composition, but feature larger cell dimensions for the formation of high-density refractory components. This excellent molecular density enables outstanding resistance from severe corrosion and mechanical degradation, which are commonplace in industrial manufacturing environments. Sialons are therefore routinely used for the fabrication of wear components and thermally stable barriers for heat sensitive elements. Cutting tools, grinding media, and thermocouple protection sheaths are all commonly produced using materials from the sialon group.

The demanding specifications of shot blasting equipment require high-performance materials capable of withstanding sustained pressures and temperatures. Conventional metals with outstanding hardness values are routinely used to prepare tough shot blast nozzle linings, but they are incapable of competing with the unique mechanical stability of advanced ceramics like silicon nitride.

This article will explore the capacities of advanced ceramic shot blast nozzles in more detail:

Silicon nitride is one of the most advanced ceramic materials currently manufactured, providing outstanding hardness levels that are rarely matched by conventionally-manufactured components. Most silicon nitride products are electrically insulating, which provides certain industrial benefits for mechanical applications – but it can present difficulties when it comes to machining the material. Material profiling of ultra-hard insulators can result in a significant loss to its desirable properties, and commonly depends upon expensive procedures such as diamond grinding. Meanwhile, electrically conductive materials can be efficiently profiled through electro-discharge machining (EDM) with no loss to material hardness.

Weld location pins, or control pins, are hard-wearing and heat-resistant components that are used to precisely locate a material on one or more dimensional planes. Once fixed into position, the material can be accurately welded and, if necessary, moved along pre-determined axes for machining processes with high degrees of precision. This method is primarily used to weld captive nuts to sheet metal or body panels, for manufacturing parts that are used in various automotive and construction sectors.

Sintering is a process by which a powder compact, or ‘green-body’, is transformed into a dense ceramic article which offers the desired characteristics and material properties. The process can enhance the materials mechanical and high-temperature properties, as well as the electrical conductivity, translucency, or thermal conductivity.

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Update: Originally posted in 2018, this blog was updated with new context on 29/04/2024.

Industrial wear applications create exacting conditions for equipment and components due to the inherent abrasiveness, corrosiveness, or high temperature and oxidation resistance damages associated with these specific processes. Sandblasting, for example, is a surface preparation method that blows abrasive grit through shot blast nozzles at high velocities to change the surface texture or roughness of an object. This grit, comprised of tough substances such as cast iron or chill-cast iron, has the capacity to erode the interior components of the abrasive blaster – particularly at the outlet. Shot blast nozzles and their liners must, therefore be composed of high-strength materials capable of withstanding long-term abrasive conditions from high concentrations of small particle erosive elements.

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D-printing, is the process of designing and manufacturing intricate geometries from a limitless range of materials using innovative deposition techniques. The equipment involved deposits small amounts of a given material into predetermined channels to form small, complex components – as opposed to conventional manufacturing processes which subtract from materials through milling and machining, or pressing and extrusion.

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Sialons were developed as a more cost-effective substitute for hot-pressed silicon nitride. They have a complex chemistry and should be considered a family of alloys with a broad range of properties. Sialons are formed when silicon nitride (Si3N4), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and aluminium nitride (AlN) react. The materials combine to form a wide range of chemical compositions.

International Syalons is one of the UK’s foremost manufacturers and suppliers of high-performance ceramics derived from silicon nitride and sialon ceramics. Our comprehensive guide to the properties and applications of sialon ceramics has recently been published on AZoM, and here is a brief introduction to the extensive article, which can be viewed for free using the link below.

International Syalons have taken delivery and installed a brand new, bespoke and purpose built canteen in order to provide better facilities for our ever growing workforce. The new space which includes improved catering facilities is a much needed addition to the site and as has been welcomed by our highly skilled production staff.

The new building was designed and assembled off site by Portable Building Sales of East Yorkshire, UK and installed extremely quickly and easily.

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