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The difference between cubic boron nitride and hexagonal boron nitride
Release date:
2026-05-09
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Boron nitride, with the chemical formula BN, is a crystalline material composed of nitrogen and boron atoms. It exists in four distinct polymorphic forms: hexagonal boron nitride (H‑BN), rhombohedral boron nitride (R‑BN), cubic boron nitride (C‑BN), and wurtzite boron nitride. This article focuses on hexagonal boron nitride and cubic boron nitride, examining their properties and contrasting their differences.
1. Cubic boron nitride:
Cubic boron nitride (c‑BN) is an artificially synthesized material whose hardness ranks second only to that of diamond, classifying it as an ultra‑hard material. It is produced by synthesizing hexagonal boron nitride with a catalyst under high temperature and high pressure.
Cubic boron nitride is available in black, amber, and metal‑coated finishes; its particle size typically remains below 1 mm. With exceptional thermal stability and chemical inertness, it is commonly used as a material for manufacturing ultra‑hard cutting tools.
2. Hexagonal boron nitride
Hexagonal boron nitride (H‑BN), also known as “white graphene,” is a two-dimensional material consisting of alternating nitrogen and boron atoms arranged in single atomic layers. Its layered structure follows an AA’AA’… stacking sequence, and its architecture closely resembles that of graphene, endowing it with many properties similar to those of graphene.
Hexagonal boron nitride (H‑BN) adopts a graphite‑like crystalline structure and appears as a loose, lubricious, hygroscopic, lightweight, poorly soluble, high‑temperature‑resistant white powder. H‑BN has no distinct melting point, exhibits excellent chemical resistance, and does not react with common metals, rare earth metals, noble metals, glass, molten salts, or other materials.
Hexagonal boron nitride is an excellent insulator, exhibiting high thermal conductivity, superior oxidation resistance, outstanding chemical and thermal stability, and favorable mechanical properties. It finds important applications in composite material modification, sensors, field-emission devices, ultraviolet laser components, and anti-oxidation coatings, among others.
In summary, the main differences between hexagonal boron nitride and cubic boron nitride lie in their physical properties: hexagonal boron nitride is white, whereas cubic boron nitride typically appears black, amber, or other colors; hexagonal boron nitride is relatively soft, while cubic boron nitride exhibits very high hardness; hexagonal boron nitride can serve as a precursor for synthesizing cubic boron nitride; hexagonal boron nitride has a wide range of applications, whereas cubic boron nitride is generally used to manufacture CBN cutting tools.
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