Hexagonal boron nitride, commonly known as h-BN or white graphite, is an inorganic compound composed of boron and nitrogen atoms arranged in a planar Hexagonal Boron Nitride lattice structure similar to that of carbon in graphite. However, unlike graphite which is electrically conductive, h-BN is an electrical insulator with a wide band gap. It is chemically and thermally stable up to temperatures as high as 800°C in air. These properties make h-BN an ideal material for a variety of industrial applications.
Use in ceramic and metallurgy industries
Due to its high thermal conductivity, chemical inertness and electrical resistivity, Hexagonal Boron Nitride is extensively used as an additive in ceramics, refractories, and investment casting. It enhances the thermal shock resistance, insulation property and wear resistance of ceramics. In metallurgy industries, h-BN plays an important role as a solid lubricant and release agent. It helps reduce friction between die and metal during forging and improves finish of cast parts. The self-lubricating nature of h-BN also makes it effective for die casting and precision metal processing.
Applications in Hexagonal Boron Nitride Industry
As an electrical insulator with a wide bandgap of ~5.9–6.1 eV, h-BN is gaining importance in semiconductor devices. It serves as an effective dopant diffusion barrier and electrically isolating layer in transistors to reduce crosstalk and parasitic capacitance. This improves device performance, switching speed and power consumption. h-BN is also used as a thermal management material and substrate for growing two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors. The similar crystal structure and lattice constant of h-BN to graphene makes it an ideal candidate for producing high-quality graphene layers by exfoliation.
Use as a thermal interface material
Owing to its high thermal conductivity of up to 400 W/mK, h-BN has emerged as an efficient thermal interface material (TIM) for managing heat in electronics. It fills air gaps between the heat source and heat sink, forming a thermally conductive pathway. This helps dissipate heat efficiently and ensures devices do not overheat. h-BN TIM exhibits low thermal impedance and resists cracking at high and low temperatures. It is currently being used in applications like LED lighting, CPU cooling, power modules and thermal management of batteries.
Role in composite materials industry
Boron nitride additives are widely employed to enhance the mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of composites. h-BN enhances the strength, stiffness, thermal resistance and wear resistance of composites used in aerospace, automotive and various engineering applications. It also increases the distortion temperature and dielectric strength of plastics. Composites of h-BN with metals and polymers possess self-lubricating ability and reduced friction. They also act as thermal barrier coatings and find applications in high-end tribological components.
Demand From Coatings Industry
Hexagonal boron nitride is gaining prominence in the coatings industry due to its properties like chemical inertness, electrical insulation, UV stability and thermal conductivity. It is used to deposit insulating, anti-stick and release coatings on a variety of substrates like metals, polymers and ceramics. h-BN coatings provide protection from corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures. They also enhance surface hardness, wear resistance and lubricity. Applications include non-stick coatings for cookware, medical devices and bakeware coatings resistant to high temperatures.
Growing Usage In Personal Care Products
Boron nitride’s non-toxicity and friction modifying properties have led to its increased use as a functional ingredient in personal care products. Finely powdered h-BN acts as an effective abrasive in gentle exfoliating and cleansing products like facial scrubs and peels. It gently removes dead skin cells without causing irritation. h-BN is also used as a mattifying and oil-absorbing agent in make-up and foundations to control shine. Powdered forms are finding applications as UV protective ingredients in sunscreens and moisturizers.
In Summary, the continuous research and development of new applications are driving the global hexagonal boron nitride market which was valued at USD 450 million in 2020. North America and Europe currently dominate the h-BN market but Asia Pacific is emerging as a major production and consumption region. China has substantial h-BN reserves and is a leading producer. Factors fueling demand include growing usage of h-BN in electric vehicles, energy storage, semiconductors, composites and coatings. The market is projected to expand at around 7-8% CAGR from 2021-2027.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
