Hexagonal boron nitride (point group = D 6h space group = P6 3/mmc) has a layered structure similar to graphite.

The most stable crystalline form is the hexagonal one, also called h-BN, α-BN, g-BN, and graphitic boron nitride. It is analogous to amorphous carbon.Īll other forms of boron nitride are crystalline. The amorphous form of boron nitride (a-BN) is non-crystalline, lacking any long-distance regularity in the arrangement of its atoms. Boron nitride has potential use in nanotechnology.īoron nitride exists in multiple forms that differ in the arrangement of the boron and nitrogen atoms, giving rise to varying bulk properties of the material. īecause of excellent thermal and chemical stability, boron nitride ceramics are used in high-temperature equipment and metal casting. The rare wurtzite BN modification is similar to lonsdaleite but slightly softer than the cubic form. The cubic ( zincblende aka sphalerite structure) variety analogous to diamond is called c-BN it is softer than diamond, but its thermal and chemical stability is superior. The hexagonal form corresponding to graphite is the most stable and soft among BN polymorphs, and is therefore used as a lubricant and an additive to cosmetic products. It exists in various crystalline forms that are isoelectronic to a similarly structured carbon lattice. Boron nitride is a thermally and chemically resistant refractory compound of boron and nitrogen with the chemical formula BN.

Bullet 3d model