Due to its unique combination of temperature resistance, thermal conductivity, electrical insulation, and anti-adhesive properties, boron nitride is a true all-rounder in industry. Depending on the application, it is used in the form of solid sintered components (e.g.,
HeBoSint®), liquid coatings (
HeBoCoat®), powders (
HeBoFill®), or as a lubricant additive
(HeBoLub®).
Here is an overview of the most important industrial applications:
Metallurgy and Casting
- Metal and aluminum casting: Crucibles, nozzles, and molded parts are made from solid boron nitride because the material is extremely resistant to thermal shock and does not chemically react with molten metal. When used as a coating on channels, it prevents buildup and makes cleaning easier.
- Powder metallurgy (metal atomization): Boron nitride nozzles ensure an extremely high powder yield, reduce waste, and enable precise control of particle shape and size.
Thermal Processes and Furnace Construction
- High-temperature furnace construction: It is used as a heat-resistant electrical insulation sleeve, heating element support, or thermocouple protection tube and ensures safe process control.
- Sintering technology: Used as a sintering support or coating, it reliably separates the sintered material from the substrate, prevents sticking, and protects components from unwanted carburization.
Metal Forming and Surface Treatment
- Metal Forming & Extrusion: During drawing, rolling, or aluminum extrusion, boron nitride acts as a highly effective high-temperature release agent and lubricant, replacing traditional agents such as carbon black. It also ensures clean processes in superplastic forming (SPF).
- Welding, brazing, and laser processing: Coatings and sprays reliably protect workpieces and welding nozzles from metal spatter. In laser cutting, boron nitride reduces burr formation and protects against oxidation and soot marks.
- PVD and plasma systems: Metallic shielding frames are coated using these systems to save valuable cleaning time thanks to the non-stick effect and to ensure electrical insulation.
Plastics and Lubricants Technology
- Thermally Conductive Plastics (Thermal Management): Boron nitride powders are ideal fillers for significantly increasing the thermal conductivity of plastics (e.g., for electronics) without compromising their electrical insulation properties.
- Lubricants: As an oil additive, it minimizes wear and friction, thereby reducing energy and fuel consumption. It also serves as a future-proof alternative to PTFE and is partially NSF-certified (Category HX-1) for use in lubricants that may come into occasional contact with food.
High-tech and future-oriented industries
- Aerospace: Boron nitride has proven its worth in plasma thrusters for satellites under the most extreme conditions. It provides electrical insulation (preventing short circuits), does not chemically react with the plasma, and withstands the extreme temperature variations in space.
- Solar and semiconductor technology: In the manufacture of silicon wafers for solar modules, it protects the sensitive graphite and copper heating elements. High-performance mixed ceramics (such as HeBoSint® SL-A 800) are used in state-of-the-art power and semiconductor electronics.
- Hydrogen economy: Boron nitride powder serves as a diffusion barrier to improve the sealing performance of materials used in hydrogen storage and transport and to minimize emissions.
