Boron nitride

Other names: Boron Nitride, BN

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Boron nitride, also called Boron Nitride or BN, is a chemical compound that consists of two elements - boron (B) and nitrogen (N). This substance is white, colourless and very hard in the solid state and is often compared to diamond because of its high temperature resistance and chemical inertness. Boron nitride has several crystalline forms which differ in properties - for this reason it is practically applicable for different purposes.

Most commonly, boron nitride is used in industry as a component of ceramic materials, where it adds high hardness and chemical resistance. It is also a component of special antioxidant coatings and mixtures for thermal insulation. When used as a coating, it can withstand very high temperatures - up to 1000 degrees Celsius. For this reason, it is often used in rocket technology or in the manufacture of nuclear reactors. In electronics, boron nitride is used as an insulator, and in the cosmetics industry, due to its optical properties and safety, it is used as a replacement for common minerals in powders and other cosmetic products. Due to its unique properties, boron nitride is a component of many products that are often essential in our daily lives.