The use of nanomaterials, which are advancing rapidly in today's technology, is increasing steadily. Nanomaterials, which are beginning to appear in every field, continue to be researched worldwide. Nanomaterials, which continue to be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, energy, defense and many other fields, are known to enhance the quality and properties of the products in which they are used. Nanomaterials, whose production costs increase according to their quality, show a positive improvement in the properties of the product they are used in, even in their lower-quality forms. Hexagonal boron nitride is one such material.
Abstract
The use of nanomaterials, which are advancing rapidly in today's technology, is becoming increasingly common. Nanomaterials, which are starting to appear in every field, continue to be researched worldwide. Nanomaterials, which continue to be used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, energy, defense and many other fields, are known to increase the quality and properties of the products used. Nanomaterials, whose production costs increase according to quality, show positive improvements in product properties even when lower-quality ones are used. Hexagonal boron nitride is one of these materials.
Introduction
Hexagonal boron nitride, noted in the literature as white graphene, is formed by boron and nitrogen atoms bonding in a honeycomb structure; it is an insulating, white-colored nanomaterial that provides strong friction and fracture resistance. Experts have observed that particularly with plasma coating, friction fracture resistance in drill bits increases to as much as 30%.
Implants used for broken and irreparable bones within the human body carry a high infection risk due to the surgical environment. In such a situation, a patient with an implant showing infection within the body must undergo surgery again to have the implant cleaned and, if necessary, replaced. This highly problematic process is experienced in many patients. Research has shown that coating implants used within the body with boron nitride using the plasma method significantly reduces the infection risk.
During plasma coating of hexagonal boron nitride, its transformation to a cubic structure causes a transparent layer to form on the surface to which it adheres. This layer is at the nanoscale and provides very high durability according to its size. The equipment performing this process does not have the capacity to accommodate particles larger than 400 mm. Additionally, it significantly increases costs. Besides being a complex system, its continuity cannot be scaled to industrial levels with the technology we currently have. For use in products such as paints and coatings, it must be used as a filler in its own form. Formulations must be optimized and necessary R&D work must be carried out. Upon obtaining the appropriate formulation, high-performance products will be obtained in the required field.
Hexagonal boron nitride is a solid white material with a powdery texture and is insoluble. Its use in products such as paints and coatings, which have lower added value compared to other fields where nanomaterials are used, significantly increases costs. Quality, which we can describe as particle size, surface area and number of layers, can be used in paints and coatings applications. An increase in the number of layers, particle size and surface area are factors that reduce quality. In applications such as filler material for paints and coatings, they can transfer their properties into the coating.
Even low amounts of nanoscale hexagonal boron nitride will provide the necessary resistances. By interacting with other materials present in the paint and coating, it transfers its superior properties into the paint and coating, improving product quality.
Molecules composed of boron atoms are known to have antibacterial properties. Companies are conducting R&D work on the use of hexagonal boron nitride in anti-fouling coatings by taking advantage of this property.
Furthermore, work continues on developing corrosion-resistant coatings with hexagonal boron nitride, which has high anticorrosion properties. Planar hexagonal boron nitride with a 2D structure provides a protective effect on metal surfaces, keeping the corrosive environment and ions away from the metal surface, thereby preventing corrosion.
Additionally, researchers are conducting work on developing flame-resistant coatings with hexagonal boron nitride, which has high flame resistance. Thanks to the use of hexagonal boron nitride with a melting point of 2,973°C in coatings, high flame-resistant coatings can be produced.
Conclusion
The use of hexagonal boron nitride, which has this and many similar positive properties, will open the door to next-generation paint and coating production. With the use of nanomaterials, higher-quality products can be obtained using smaller quantities of material. The path to producing higher-level products in line with today's technology lies in nanomaterials. With increasing R&D work, we are continuously adapting to new generation technologies worldwide.
References
[1] Kaya O., 2D hexagonal boron nitride-based anticorrosion coatings, J. Phys. Mater. 8 (2025) 042002
[2] Saji V.S., 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets in protective coatings: A literature review, Heliyon 9 (2023) e19362
[3] QSAM, Difference between cubic and hexagonal boron nitride.
MSc. N. Mete Kaleli
Research and Development Specialist
Gallery
