Why You Should Consider Boron Nitride for Your Applications

Boron nitride is a high-temperature ceramic that has a structure similar to graphite. Thisunique material boasts exceptional characteristics that make it indispensable in various industrial applications.  It exists in several crystalline forms, with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) being the most common.

Here are some key characteristics that set BN apart from other materials:

• BN provides thermal stability and can withstand high temperatures under extreme conditions.
• The material is highly resistant to most acids and alkalis, making it suitable for environments where chemical resistance is essential.
• Hexagonal BN exhibits high electrical resistance, making it an excellent insulator.
• Due to its layered structure, hBN acts as a solid lubricant, reducing friction in high-temperature environments. 

Aerospace & Defense

Boron nitride plays a vital role in aerospace applications, offering exceptional thermal resistance and durability. Additionally, BN ceramics are a key material in Hall-effect thrusters for space propulsion, providing resistance to ion bombardment and ensuring longevity in harsh environments. Hexagonal BN (h-BN) also acts as a superior solid lubricant, reducing friction in high-temperature aerospace bearings and gears where conventional lubricants fail.

Electronics & Semiconductor Industry

 Boron nitride is essential in electronic applications and enhances thermal management in power electronics, serving as a heat spreader and substrate to prevent overheating.

Kennametal's Boron Nitride Portfolio

Kennametal offers a diverse range of boron nitride products tailored to meet specific industrial needs. Our portfolio includes various grades of hBN, each designed for different applications:

• Known for its high mechanical properties, BN4000 is used in high-temperature electrical insulators, crucibles and ion implantation systems. Its boric oxide binder provides excellent performance but makes it susceptible to moisture.
• BN5000 features a calcium borate binder, making it versatile and less prone to moisture pick-up. It can be used for thermocouple protection tubes, glass manufacturing rolls and support plates.
• BN6000 offers superior mechanical properties compared to the best-in-class purity grade, using only a fraction of the binder. This makes it ideal for high-temperature applications in vacuum or inert environments. It is commonly used in electrical insulators and thermocouple protection tubes."
• BN7000 offers high temperature capability, up to 2000°C in inert atmospheres or high vacuum. It's perfect for high-temperature vacuum furnaces and crucibles for high-purity metals.
• Featuring near-net shape forming and pressure less sintering technology, BN8000 is used in large components for high-temperature applications.

At Kennametal, we offer professional consultancy and expertise in the grade selection of boron nitride. We provide semi-finished products and finished parts of boron nitride and boron nitride composites. Discover the countless possibilities of Kennametal ceramic components and see how boron nitride can enhance your applications.

Would you like more detailed information on any specific aspect of boron nitride? Contact an expert.