Introduction to the Main Properties of Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN)

Release date:

2022-01-17

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In cubic boron nitride (CBN) crystals, nitrogen and boron atoms are sp³-hybridized to form CBN, with a structure analogous to that of diamond. Polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) is produced by sintering CBN single crystals—either with or without a binder—under high temperature and high pressure.

The main properties of cubic boron nitride (CBN) are as follows:

It exhibits high hardness and thermal stability, with a microhardness second only to synthetic diamond; its thermal stability surpasses that of synthetic diamond, enabling it to maintain sufficiently high mechanical properties and hardness even at elevated temperatures, and it possesses excellent red hardness.

It exhibits structural stability, high oxidation resistance, and excellent chemical stability—particularly superior to that of diamond. Moreover, it remains chemically inert toward iron-group elements even at temperatures as high as 1200–1300°C, making it especially well suited for machining ferrous materials.

Its thermal conductivity is lower than that of diamond but higher than that of cemented carbide, exhibiting excellent thermal performance; it also boasts high flexural strength.

As an abrasive material, it boasts a long service life and excellent wear resistance.