Boron Nitride

Boron nitride (BN) exists primarily as hexagonal BN (h-BN) — a white, soft, lubricating ceramic with high electrical resistivity and anisotropic thermal conductivity — and cubic BN (c-BN), an ultra-hard abrasive. In automotive and mobility electronics, h-BN powders and sintered shapes provide electrically insulating thermal pathways in power modules, potting compounds and TIMs, and act as high-temperature release/anti-stick coatings on composite tooling and moulds. BN fillers improve thermal conductivity of polymer housings and thermal interface materials without compromising dielectric strength. c-BN abrasives and tooling serve machining of hardened steels and nickel alloys used in powertrain components. This entry focuses on technical BN ceramics as processed materials for insulation, thermal management and coatings.