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 use in automotive engine components, 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 and integrated circuits, protecting against moisture and mechanical damage. It is also used as a diffusion barrier and etch mask in semiconductor fabrication processes.

Due to its excellent wear and corrosion resistance, silicon nitride is employed in cutting tools for machining hard metals, offering longer tool life and faster cutting speeds. Additionally, it is used in industrial applications such as seals, nozzles, and components for molten metal handling.

In advanced technologies, silicon nitride is finding use in biomedical implants and aerospace components where lightweight, high-strength materials are essential.