In the vast realm of materials science, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) powder, though not widely recognized by the general public, demonstrates irreplaceable application value across multiple fields due to its unique layered crystal structure and physicochemical properties.
In the field of electronic packaging, localized overheating during the operation of high-power electronic devices is a critical issue affecting component lifespan. Equipment like 5G base stations and new energy vehicle batteries demand stringent thermal management and insulation. As a thermal conductive filler, h-BN powder achieves in-plane thermal conductivity of 50–200 W/mK while maintaining electrical insulation. Incorporating h-BN nanosheets into chip heat dissipation layers reduces lateral heat transfer, lowering hotspot temperatures and preventing short-circuit risks. After adopting h-BN/epoxy composite materials, a semiconductor company reduced thermal resistance in LED lamp housings by 40% and extended service life to over 50,000 hours, effectively resolving thermal management challenges.
Precision manufacturing also relies on h-BN powder. During aluminum casting, issues like mold adhesion and thermal stress cracking have long plagued manufacturers. Spraying h-BN powder onto mold surfaces at a thickness of 0.1–0.3 mm forms a high-temperature resistant protective layer. With a friction coefficient as low as 0.2–0.4, it significantly reduces corrosion caused by aluminum-steel reactions during 750°C molten aluminum casting. A case study from an automotive wheel manufacturer demonstrates that adopting h-BN plasma coating extended mold lifespan from 30,000 to 50,000 cycles and boosted the yield rate for thin-walled components from 85% to 98%.
In the field of new energy, h-BN powder also plays a significant role. Its neutron absorption capability makes it an ideal choice for nuclear reactor shielding materials. When combined with polyurethane, it can be used to produce coatings that offer both neutron protection and an aesthetically pleasing white appearance, suitable for nuclear power plant piping systems. In lithium-ion batteries, h-BN-coated separators suppress lithium dendrite growth, extending battery cycle life by 30%. Following Tesla's pilot implementation of h-BN-modified separators in its 4680 battery production line, thermal runaway risks were significantly reduced.
In high-end industrial applications, h-BN powder stands as a reliable solution for extreme environments. In aerospace, rocket engine nozzle linings endure extreme temperatures, making h-BN ceramics the material of choice due to their stability in inert atmospheres up to 2800°C. Missile radomes fabricated from h-BN-silicon nitride composites exhibit low dielectric loss and can transmit 30GHz high-frequency signals. In metallurgy, h-BN evaporation boats demonstrate exceptional corrosion resistance during aluminum electrolysis, extending service life fivefold compared to traditional alumina materials.
The performance advantages of h-BN powder stem from its atomic-level hexagonal lattice structure, combining graphite-like lubricity and thermal conductivity with the insulation and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. As preparation technologies advance toward nanoscale and functionalization, h-BN is poised to play a greater role in cutting-edge fields such as sixth-generation communications and deep space exploration, continuously contributing to technological progress across industries.
