The general term for Crystal-Technica igniters is Silicon Nitride Hot Surface Igniters, but this product is not composed exclusively of Silicon Nitride. The other material used is Molybdenum Disilicide (MoSi2), a refractory metal silicide. Si3N4 is used in this product for its insulative properties. A circuit of MoSi2 is used to provide the 'heating zone'. In cross section, this shows as a slightly darker line forming a circuit encapsulated by Si3N4.

Molybdenum Disilicide was discovered in 1907 and was initially considered a high temperature corrosion-protective coating material for ductile metals. The first commercial heating-elements were patented by Kanthal, a Swedish company who have specialized in electrical heating since the 1930s, in 1953. It was selected by the Le Mark Chinese team after exhaustive testing of potential materials.

With a melting point of 2230C, it withstands the high temperatures generated during the ignition process. MoSi2 also withstands oxidation in air, oxygen and oxygen-rich atmospheres and does not show increasing electrical resistivity with use. Its thermal conductivity is very close to that of Si3N4, and their toughness levels are in the same range. The fracture toughness behaviour in both MoSi2 and silicon-based ceramics is similar. They both fracture in a brittle manner resulting in low toughness. However, in a Crystal-Technica igniter, the Si3N4 gives toughness to the entire structure. The finished product is very stable, as the two properties of the two materials complement each other well. The properties of Mosi2 are:

	Moderate density
	High melting point
	Excellent oxidation resistance
	Modulus at elevated temperatures
	Melting Point: 2230C
	Density: 6.31 g.cm-3
	Young's Modulus: 430 GPa
	Bend Strength: 250 MPa
	Fracture Toughness K1C: 3 MPa.m0.5
	Hardness: 9 GPa
	Resistivity (room temp): 3.5 x10-7 ohm.cm
	Resistivity (1700C): 4.0 x10-6 ohm.cm
	Mo %: 59.9
	Si %: 40.1

It has in the past not been used as a structural ceramic as by itself it exhibits low toughness at temperatures below 1000C. It also exhibits poor creep resistance above 1200C. The advanced production techniques used to fabricate the Crystal-Technica Hot Surface Igniter have overcome these difficulties, by combining the MoSi2 with Si3N4 to produce a product that exhibits extreme toughness at all operating temperatures.