Aluminum nitride

Aluminum nitride (AIN)

Aluminum nitride (AlN) is an advanced ceramic material widely used in various industrial applications thanks to its exceptional properties. Its high thermal conductivity, which surpasses that of many other ceramic materials, makes it a preferred choice for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation, such as substrates for integrated circuits and electronic devices. In addition, aluminum nitride is chemically stable and resistant to corrosive atmospheres, which prolongs its durability in extreme conditions.

However, despite its strengths, aluminum nitride has certain weaknesses. Its flexural strength is relatively lower than that of ceramics such as alumina or silicon carbide, which can limit its use in demanding structural applications. Furthermore, the manufacture of aluminum nitride parts can be costly and requires complex processes to guarantee a homogeneous microstructure.

Aluminum nitride ceramics have a variety of industrial applications, particularly in electronics, where it is used for high-power device substrates, and in aerospace for components requiring effective thermal management. In short, aluminum nitride is a high-performance material in difficult thermal environments, but its use may be restricted by its mechanical properties and production costs.

Composition

Component Concentration Comment
AlN (aluminum nitride) ≥ 98 % Main component, providing the majority of mechanical and thermal properties.
SiO2 (silicon oxide) < 1 % Potential impurity, can affect thermal properties.
Fe2O3 (iron oxide) < 0,01 % Present in traces, does not significantly affect the properties.
CaO (calcium oxide) < 0,02 % Can be added to improve density and mechanical strength.
Na2O (oxyde de sodium) < 0,1 % May be present in traces, negligible impact on performance.
Aluminum nitride is characterized by its high thermal conductivity and good hardness, making it a material of choice for many electronic and industrial applications. However, its flexural strength and production cost can limit its use compared to other technical ceramics.

Typical properties

Flexural strength
200 - 400 MPa
Elasticity modulus
300 - 350 GPa
Density
3,2 - 3,3 g/cm3
Hardness
15 - 20 GPa

Typical properties; should not be interpreted as specifications.
EN ISO 6507, ASTM D790.

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