Overview
Boron Nitride (BN) is a versatile synthetic compound composed of boron and nitrogen atoms. It exists in multiple crystalline forms, with hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and cubic boron nitride (c-BN) being the most commercially significant. h-BN resembles graphite in structure and lubricity, earning the nickname 'white graphite,' while c-BN is second only to diamond in hardness. BN is prized for its thermal stability, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance, making it indispensable in high-tech industries. First synthesized in the early 20th century, BN gained industrial prominence due to its ability to withstand extreme temperatures (up to 3000°C in inert atmospheres) without degrading. Unlike graphite, BN is an electrical insulator, which expands its utility in electronic applications. Its non-reactivity with molten metals and acids further enhances its value in metallurgy and corrosive environments.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Boron Nitride exhibits a unique combination of properties that distinguish it from other ceramics. Hexagonal BN (h-BN) has a layered structure with weak van der Waals forces between layers, providing excellent lubricity even at high temperatures. It has a low coefficient of friction (comparable to molybdenum disulfide) and maintains lubricity in vacuum conditions, unlike graphite. Its thermal conductivity is high (up to 400 W/m·K for pyrolytic BN), yet it remains electrically insulating. Cubic BN (c-BN), synthesized under high pressure, shares a crystal structure with diamond and offers exceptional hardness (HV ~4500 kgf/mm²). Both forms are chemically inert, resisting attack by acids, alkalis, and molten metals below 1000°C. BN is also highly resistant to thermal shock due to its low thermal expansion coefficient. Notably, h-BN is optically transparent in infrared ranges, while c-BN exhibits broad-band UV transparency.
Main Applications
In the electronics industry, BN is used as a heat sink material for high-power devices due to its thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. It serves as a crucible material for molten metal handling, particularly in semiconductor crystal growth. h-BN powders are common additives in cosmetics (e.g., foundations) for their smooth texture and light-diffusing properties. Industrial lubricants often incorporate BN for high-temperature applications where conventional oils degrade. In aerospace, BN coatings protect components from oxidation at extreme temperatures. c-BN finds use in cutting tools for machining hard alloys, offering longer tool life than conventional abrasives. Emerging applications include neutron absorption in nuclear reactors and as a substrate for 2D material research, leveraging its atomically flat surface.
Safety and Storage
Boron Nitride is generally considered non-toxic but requires careful handling in powder form to avoid respiratory irritation. The OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) for BN dust is 15 mg/m³ as total particulate. Powdered BN should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from moisture, which can reduce its lubricity. No special firefighting measures are required, as BN is non-flammable. For high-purity BN used in semiconductors, contamination-free storage is critical. Static-sensitive BN formulations (e.g., those for electronic applications) should be packaged in anti-static bags. Workers handling fine BN powders should use NIOSH-approved N95 respirators and ensure adequate ventilation. Spills should be cleaned with HEPA-filter vacuums to prevent airborne dispersion.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify the crystalline form (h-BN or c-BN), purity level (industrial grade 95-98% vs. electronic grade >99.9%), and particle size distribution (from nanometers for coatings to millimeters for crucibles). For thermal management applications, request thermal conductivity test data, as this varies significantly with BN orientation in pressed forms. Consider regional suppliers for cost efficiency: China dominates h-BN production, while c-BN is primarily manufactured in the US, Europe, and Japan. For large orders (tons), negotiate bulk discounts—prices can drop 20-30% for contract volumes. Lead times for specialty grades (e.g., oxygen-free BN) may extend to 8-12 weeks. Always verify compliance with industry-specific standards like RoHS or REACH for electronics or EU exports.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：合成树脂、固化剂、不饱和树脂、环氧树脂、聚酯多元醇、酚醛树脂、医药中间体
- 主营：工程塑料、通用塑料、热塑性弹性体、合金塑料、塑胶原料
- 主营：格兰头、防爆填料函、铠装电缆接头、堵头、防爆挠性管、金属电缆防水接头、尼龙电缆防水接头、防爆管接头、防爆活接头、船用填料函
- 主营：流量计、进口sch、连接板、保险丝、传感器、平行抓手、轴承电机、密封垫圈、旋转把手、抓手夹具、旋转气缸、套筒滤芯、电机控制器、锯片夹紧钳、防坠器拉杆、不锈钢接头、夹具联轴器、手动快换hwr、电缆电磁阀、自动快换wwr、扁平回转摆缸、发光元件转接器、摆缸导轨钳制器、同步带衬套卡盘、气动导轨钳制器
- 主营：5609/ti2j、dtc114wn3、开关器、cp7457kta、2*32y3vtw、apm4431kc、mb123d-3r、放大器、锁存器、mtn3023j3、hswm-c360、电子管、p6ke15a-t、kb930qfa1、a113001ar、fp133d-lf、hdt0001np、aon5802bl、2sk956-01、apa2171oi、19-21surc、74ls379pc、连接器、btd2195j3、btd5213l3
- 主营：冷气机、冷风扇、移动空调、工业冷风机、蒸汽清洁机、骆驼冷风机、长虹冷风机、雷豹冷风机
- 主营：集成电路、汽车连接器、汽车芯片、ST、电源管理芯片、运算放大器比较器、TI、NXP、单片机/ARM/DSP、继电器
- 主营：熔电气、龙熔品、快速熔、晶闸管、快熔107、电气107、牌熔断、品牌熔、熔断器、电容器、保险丝、二极管、三极管、避雷器、可控硅、整流管、高压计量、高压电容、并联电容、计量手车、负荷开关、高压熔丝、分界开关、滤波电容、高频电阻
- 主营：ade-35mh+、晶闸管、开关器、原装封、ab0805-t3、晶振器、aonr21307、aons62604、监视器、聚合物、ltm4643ev、微控制、加速计、放大器、定时器、传感器、nce8295ad、电子管、fdc021n30、ltm4612ev、lmh0024ma、电脑板、ltm8027iv、mpr121qr2、max489epd
- 主营：钢丝棉、钢绵卷、瓦楞纸包、大卷低碳、犀牛钢丝绒、金属工艺品、进口钢丝绵、大卷抛光棉、清洁球钢丝、家具抛光棉、打磨抛光棉、低碳钢刹车片、除金属玻璃划、抛光红木家具、土红色双鹰尼卷、打磨抛光钢丝绒、汽车刹车片钢棉、木材专用抛光棉、钢丝绒木头木器
- 主营：铌酸锂晶、石英晶片、钽酸锂晶、石英晶振片、压电石英环
- 主营：蓄电池、铅酸免维护电瓶、储能型电瓶、绿色环保电瓶、工匠型电瓶、铅酸蓄电池
- 主营：堵漏剂、石灰精、砂浆王、瓷砖胶、膨胀剂、堵漏王、早强剂、压浆料、加气砖、灌浆料、混凝土、胶粘剂、减水剂、防水抗渗、瓷砖背胶、瓷砖砂浆、堵漏隧道、抹面砂浆、抗裂砂浆、防水抹面、环氧砂浆、双快水泥、粘接砂浆、保温砂浆、快干水泥
- 主营：食品级软管、硅胶软管、橡胶软管、复合软管、PFA接头、特氟龙管、蠕动泵管、衬氟接头、不锈钢接头、PP接头、卡套接头、医药级软管、塑料软管
- 主营：STRIKO爆破片、BIG Kaiser、behlke开关