Boron Nitride – What It Is, Properties, and Benefits
Boron Nitride is a compound with the formula BN, consisting of boron and nitrogen.
At Materially The Hub, we specialise in the application of hexagonal Boron Nitride in various industrial processes, including:
But… what is Boron Nitride? What are its properties? What is it used for, and what are its benefits and advantages?
What is Boron Nitride?
Boron Nitride, with the chemical formula BN, is composed of two atoms: one of boron and one of nitrogen.
It exists in multiple forms that differ in the arrangement of boron and nitrogen atoms, resulting in varying material properties. The hexagonal crystalline form is the most stable one.
Boron Nitride possesses excellent thermal and chemical stability, making it suitable for applications requiring these properties, such as high-temperature environments. Learn more about the applications of Boron Nitride here.
At Materially, we offer it in various formats, each optimised for different uses:
- Boron Nitride Coatings – HeBoCoat®
- Boron Nitride Powder – HeBoFill®
- Boron Nitride components – HeBoSint®
- Boron Nitride oil – HeBoLub®
All the products we market are manufactured in Germany by Henze Boron Nitride Products AG, and we are the exclusive distributor in Spain.
Properties of Boron Nitride
In addition to its excellent thermal resistance, current industrial applications value the following properties:
- Excellent lubrication properties.
- High thermal conductivity.
- Excellent electrical insulation.
To better understand the applications and added value of Boron Nitride, the following lines explain how each of these key properties is useful in various sectors.
Thermal Properties
Thermal Stability
Boron Nitride exhibits excellent thermal stability. In oxygen-containing environments, it can withstand temperatures up to 1400°C without degradation, and in inert or vacuum conditions, it can endure temperatures up to 2000°C.
This makes it valuable in high-temperature applications such as casting, glass manufacturing, metal extrusion, and sintering.
Thermal Conductivity
The high thermal conductivity of Boron Nitride depends on its structure and composition purity. This property is highly valuable in applications that require effective heat dissipation.
It is used in diverse sectors such as cosmetics, motor and machine tool lubrication, and lighting, as it aids in dissipating heat in various market-available formats.
Electrical Properties
Electrical Insulation
Unlike other materials used for heat dissipation and lubrication, such as graphite, Boron Nitride is not an electrical conductor. In this way, it can be used in applications where we do not want electricity to be conducted.
A clear example can be seen in lighting, electronics, or electric vehicle components. In these cases, there is a growing demand for higher power in systems, which generates heat. This excess heat can cause the components to operate at temperatures unsuitable for their proper functioning, leading to a shorter lifespan of the components.
With the help of Boron Nitride, it is possible to enhance the thermal conductivity of the components surrounding the system, allowing it to operate at lower temperatures and, consequently, for longer periods. This is achieved while maintaining the electrical insulation, which is crucial in high-voltage or high-intensity applications such as in the new propulsion systems and batteries of electric vehicles.
Tribological Characteristics
Additive for Lubricants and Dry Lubrication
Finally, and by no means less important, one of the main properties of Boron Nitride is its lubricating ability. This is a material used as a dry lubricant or as an additive for oils and greases.
Thanks to Boron Nitride, it is possible to, for example, reduce the friction coefficient in sectors such as foundry, aluminium extrusion, welding, or plastic part manufacturing.
Additionally, it can also be found pre-mixed for direct use as an additive for oils. This provides an easy integration with conventional lubrication systems, enhancing their performance. These additives are commonly used in engine and transmission oils for both light and industrial vehicles.
All these working conditions generate significant abrasion and wear on the components or parts in their vicinity, and Boron Nitride in its various forms helps to reduce them.
Advantages and Benefits of Boron Nitride
One of the advantages of Boron Nitride is its formulation in various formats (powder, oil, spray, etc.), each designed for optimal and easy application in different industrial processes.
However, the true value of Boron Nitride and its applications is found when two or more key characteristics work together. This possibility to have seemingly opposing characteristics, such as thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, makes it especially interesting.
Another interesting application is when combining chemical resistance at high temperatures with lubrication capability. This allows reducing the adhesion of metals to tools, moulds, or presses, both at room temperature and high temperatures.
Finally, it is important to note that when using additives, there is usually a maximum limit to how much additive can be included in the solution/polymer/oil/grease since it could alter their viscosity and properties, making production more difficult. But with this material, when aiming for polymers with very high thermal conductivity, it is possible to load the polymer heavily without facing difficulties in its extrusion or injection due to the lubrication and heat dissipation properties.
