Silicon nitride is widely used in high-performance engineering applications due to its exceptional thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability. It is a key material in manufacturing ceramic bearings and ball bearings, especially for high-speed and high-temperature environments where steel bearings would fail. Its low thermal expansion and high fracture toughness make it ideal for components in automotive engines, such as turbocharger rotors and glow plugs, improving efficiency and durability.

In the electronics industry, silicon nitride serves as a passivation and insulating layer in microchips, protecting circuits from moisture and mechanical damage. It is also used as a diffusion barrier and etch mask in semiconductor fabrication processes.

Due to its resistance to oxidation and thermal shock, silicon nitride is used in cutting tools for machining hard metals, enabling faster cutting speeds and longer tool life. It is also employed in industrial applications such as kiln furniture, welding fixtures, and components in molten metal handling.

In advanced technologies, silicon nitride is being explored in biomedical implants and aerospace components, where lightweight, wear-resistant, and thermally stable materials are critical.