Bornitrid is an advanced ceramic and a high-end refractory. It is often referred as white graphene due to its crystal nature. Boron Nitride ceramic is also known for their electrical and thermal stability that makes them widely studied. Let us explore into BN ceramic features and the products they cover.
Features of Boron Nitride
Bn-Chemie
As the name indicates, bn molecule is composed of Boron and Nitrogen atoms and exist in different crystalline forms. The electronic configuration of Bornitrid is generally identical to Carbon. Among all the polymorphs of bn, the most stable form is hexagonal Boron Nitride.
Bornitrid-Formel is often described as “BN.” It is prefixed with the right letter to indicate the type of configuration it deals. For example, Hexagonal Boron Nitride is written as h-BN.
BN Structure
Amorphous Boron Nitride (a-BN)
Im Gegensatz zu anderen BN-Strukturen , amorphous BN is irregular in nature and is similar to carbon. Other than amorphous BN all the other types of BN are crystalline in nature.
Hexagonales Bornitrid (h-BN)
Hexagonales Bornitrid is the most stable form among Boron nitride polymorphs. H-BN structure is basically layered with Boron Nitride bond being Covalent. However, the layers obey Vanderwal’s force which are basically weak.
Cubic Boron Nitride (c-BN)
Kubisches Bornitrid is crystalline in structure however is less stable when compared with hexagonal Boron nitride. However, c-BN can be converted to hexagonal under room temperature.
Wurtzite Boron Nitride (w-BN)
Wurtzite Boron Nitride follows boat configuration of BN structure. It has a strength potential greater than that of diamond in the range of 18%. The hardness of w-BN is 46 GPa which is lesser than Hexagonales Bornitrid.
Bornitrid-Eigenschaften
Bornitrid holds high thermal conductivity which makes them ideal to function as electronic components. The thermal conductivity of w-BN is around 600 W/Mk whereas, hexagonal Boron Nitride offers thermal conductivity around 700 W /mk. The thermal conductivity a- Bornitrid is less in the range of 3 W/Mk.
Boron Nitride density for amorphous and hexagonal Boron nitride are around 2.3 and 2.1 g/cm3 respectively. Cubic and Wurtzite BN has similar values of density within the range of 3.45 g/cm3.The temperature stability of Boron Nitride is quite high. The melting point of Boron Nitride is in the range of 2900 degC which makes it function at high temperature situations.
Boron Nitride Uses
Boron Nitride ceramic is known for its wide variety of applications. Some common Boron Nitride products are covered here.
Boron Nitride Nanotubes
What are Boron Nitride nanotubes?
Bornitrid has emerged as a significant ceramic material in nanotechnology. Although Boron nanotubes mimics Carbon Nanotubes in its morphology, the difference in composition gives rise to different functionalities.BN nanotubes are precision Keramikmaterial scaled in nanometre’s.
Properties of Boron Nanotubes
Boron Nanotubes possesses exceptional electrical conductivity. BN nanotubes are also used in devices to restrict electrical influences as they are good insulators of electricity. Since their tensile strength is in comparable limits with that of Carbon nanotubes, they are used in the manufacture of lightweight components also. BN Nanotubes are also used in optoelectronics for their optical properties.
The biocompatibility of Boron Nanotubes is another factor that makes them distinct. They are generally hydrophobic in nature which makes them ideal in biomedical applications. Boron Nitride nanotubes unlike CNNT’s are piezoelectric in nature.
Application of Boron Nitride nanotubes
- Boron Nitride Nanotubes resist harmful radiation due to their potential to absorb neutrons. Hence, they are used in aerospace industries
- As BNNT’s are non-reactive and carries no toxicity, in biomedical applications they function as medium for drug delivery.
- Boron Nanotubes are used to enhance the mechanical strength of materials and possible reinforcement in polymers and composites.
- The piezoelectric nature of Boron Nitride nanotubes is utilized to do energy harvesting. Ex: sensors, actuators.
Boron nitride pastes
Once applied, Boron Nitride thermal pastes improve thermal performance of a material. The pastes offer stability at high temperature, acts as good insulators and function as best potting agent. It also offers thermal conductivity of 32 W/Mk at 100 degC.
Application of Boron Nitride nanotubes
- Boron Nitride paste can optimise the performance of sensors in 3D printers.
- BN pastes also reduces the risk of short circuit as they function as insulators at 100 degC. They also act as good potting material which holds the cartridges firmly in positions.
- They are water soluble which makes cleaning easy during dissembling of printers.
Boron nitride powder
Boron Nitride Powder are excellent for high temperature applications. They cater to around 900 degC in air and 2500 degC in vacuum conditions. The low coefficient of friction makes them function as good lubrication material. Boron Nitride powder are good conductors of thermal energy. It also offers excellent electrical resistance.
Application of Boron Nitride Powder
- Hexagonal Boron nitride powder is used as an additive to grease and oil for its lubrication property
- Boron Nitride powder is an integral part of electronic devices and helps in better heat dissipation
- Theu are used as fillers in insulating environments
- H-BN powder is used for the manufacture of corrosion resistant coatings.
Boron nitride coating
Boron Nitride coatings are made of high purity Boron Nitride powder. They are often available in liquid form and can be diluted with water for suitable application on materials. A bond is used as a mixing agent during production of the same.
BN coatings are generally resistant to corrosion and remain non wettable when exposed to molten metals and slags. Boron Nitride coatings also ensure to provide good lubrication and helps in removal of solidified metals.
Boron nitride cosmetics
The silky and smooth texture of Bornitrid makes them a best fit in personal care and cosmetic industry. They are white in texture and caters an appearance similar to talc. With desired formulations, Bornitrid ensures spread ability and excellent blending capacity. The very nature of Bornitrid helps in giving a matte finish and removes oil.
Application of Boron nitride in cosmetics
- Bornitrid acts as binding, opacifying and good adsorbent
- They are used as materials in eyeshadows, foundations, powders etc to improve texture and surface finish
- It also helps in scattering light which improves the overall appearance once applied.
Boron Nitride Machinable ceramics
Solid shapes of Bornitrid are obtained by the method of hot pressing at higher temperature. The material hence formed will be dense and can be used in the synthesis of any desirable ceramic form.
Application of Boron nitride ceramic
- Boron Nitride ceramic once pressed are used in the manufacture of different geometrical shapes such as Boron Blocs, rings etc
- Boron Nitride Tubes are used as furnace material due to their property of higher heat resistance.
- Boron Nitride crucibles offer excellent resistance to wear and tear. It is nontoxic and chemically inert. These crucibles are best when it comes to application such as crystal growth, insulators in furnace environments.
Closing Remarks
The article has covered the features of boron Nitride with its properties, structure and chemistry. Bornitrid is a Keramikmaterial with superior properties that makes them functional and fit. The wide range of applications includes aerospace, machinable ceramic science, nano technology and cosmetics shows the potential the ceramic possesses.