Jul 19 2013
Nanoparticles are enjoying more and more attention nowadays, deservedly so as their myriad of benefits are being discovered every day. The key benefit of nanoparticles is that their properties differ from bulk material of the same composition. Nanoparticles can be altered by varying their shape, size, and chemical environment.
This article discusses about the properties and applications of aluminum nitride nanoparticles. Aluminum is a Block P, Period 3 element, while nitrogen is a Block P, Period 2 element.
Aluminum is a soft metal that is brittle but strong. Nitrides are a class of chemical compounds in which nitrogen is combined with an element of similar or lower electronegativity.
The morphology of aluminum nitride nanoparticles is spherical, and their appearance is an off-white powder. Aluminum nitride nanoparticles are known for their small particle size distribution, high heat resistance, high surface activity, high level of purity, firmness, large specific surface area, low bulk density, and good performance of injection molding. These can be readily used with composite materials, and are a good match with the semiconductor silicon. They can improve the mechanical properties of composite materials and the thermal conductivity of dielectric.
Aluminum nitride nanoparticles are graded as irritants that can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. If inhaled, there are chances of allergy, asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties occurring.
The dispersion performance of aluminum nitride nanoparticles will be affected by damp reunion, hence they must be sealed in vacuum and stored in cool and dry environment.
Chemical Properties
The chemical properties of aluminum nitride nanoparticles are outlined in the following table.
| Chemical Data |
| Chemical symbol |
AlN |
| CAS No. |
24304-00-5 |
| Group |
Aluminum 13
Nitrogen 15 |
| Electronic configuration |
Aluminum [Ne]3s23p1
Nitrogen [He]2s22p3 |
| Chemical Composition |
| Aluminium / Aluminum, Al |
65.8 % |
| Nitrogen, N |
34.2 % |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of aluminum nitride nanoparticles are given in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
3.26 g/cm3 |
0.117 lb/in3 |
| Molar mass |
40.99 g/mol |
- |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of aluminum nitride nanoparticles are provided in the table below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Melting point |
2200 °C |
3992°F |
| Boiling point |
2517 °C |
4563°F |
Manufacturing Process
Aluminum nitride nanoparticles can be synthesized using a reactive gas condensation (RGC) technique. In this process, ammonia and nitrogen gases were used for the nitridation of aluminum, where ammonia acts as the reactive gas and nitrogen acts as a carrier gas as well as an inert source for particle condensation.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can be used to test the results.
Applications
The key applications of aluminum nitride nanoparticles are listed below:
- In coatings, plastics, and wire to improve the thermal conductivity of plastic
- For manufacturing integrated circuit board, optical devices, radiator, electronic devices and high temperature crucible
- Fabrication of metal matrix and polymer matrix composites, especially in the heat seal adhesives and electronic packaging materials
- In high thermally conductive ceramics and composite ceramics such as evaporation boats and heat sinks
- Electrically insulating packages for electronics
- Crucibles for metals and salt melts
- In aerospace to improve thermomechanical properties
- Thermally conductive filler for polymers
- Components for wafer processing
- To improve the performance of epoxy resin
- As a kind of reinforcing agent
- As heat conductive material
Source: AZoNano