2D Boron Nitride – a white coloured additive for enhanced gas barrier and thermal conductivity.
Building on the success of its Elicarb® Graphene products Thomas Swan has launched a new range of 2D boron nitride products. The products are manufactured by a proprietary Direct Liquid Exfoliation process which exfoliates hexagonal boron nitride to produce 2 dimensional nano-platelets of boron nitride or 2D boron nitride.
Like graphene, 2D boron nitride has high thermal conductivity and gas barrier performance; but unlike graphene is electrically insulating. This is a unique combination of properties enabling thermal conductivity without compromising electrical protection.
What is 2D Boron Nitride?
Hexagonal boron nitride is a chemical and heat resistant, white solid. Like graphite, the hexagonal form exists in layers of six membered rings (in this case containing three boron and three nitrogen atoms) which can be separated or exfoliated.
Exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride produces atomically thin nano-platelets (see figure showing Transmission Electron Micrograph of the exfoliated product). These nano-platelets have enhanced thermal conductivity and gas barrier properties when compared to the layered material.
The new 2D Boron Nitride Products are suitable for use as barrier additives, thermal interface materials and thermal conductivity enhancers, they are currently being evaluated in the plastics, electronics and dielectric oils industries.
This is an exciting time for our team as we work with customers to develop applications for new 2D Boron Nitride Products.
We welcome enquiries from customers with an interest in these materials.
Andy Goodwin – Commercial Director, Advanced Materials Division
Initially, three 2D Boron Nitride Products are commercially available from Thomas Swan – Premium Grade, Materials Grade and Dispersion (AQ). Further product information is available on the company website.
More information on Elicarb® Graphene and 2D products can be found here.