Cubic boron nitride (CBN or c-BN) is widely used as an abrasive. Its usefulness arises from its insolubility in high temperatures in iron, nickel, and related alloys, whereas diamond is soluble in these metals. Polycrystalline c-BN (PCBN) abrasives are used for machining steel, whereas diamond abrasives are preferred for aluminum alloys, ceramics, and stone. BN forms a passivation layer of boron oxide when in contact with oxygen at high temperatures. Boron nitride binds well with metals due to metal borides or nitride interlayers forming. Materials with cubic boron nitride crystals are often used in the tool bits of cutting tools. Softer binders such as resin, porous ceramics, and soft metals are used for grinding applications. Ceramic binders can be used as well. Commercial products are known under the names "Borazon" (by Hyperion Materials & Technologies) and "Elbor" or "Cubonite" (by Russian vendors).
Contrary to diamond, large c-BN pellets can be produced in a simple process (called sintering) of annealing c-BN powders in a nitrogen flow at temperatures slightly below the BN decomposition temperature. This ability of c-BN and h-BN powders to fuse allows cheap production of large BN parts. Like a diamond, the combination in c-BN of the highest thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity is ideal for heat spreaders. As cubic boron nitride consists of light atoms and is very robust chemically and mechanically, it is one of the popular materials for X-ray membranes: low mass results in small X-ray absorption, and good mechanical properties allow using thin membranes, further reducing the absorption. If you are looking for high quality, high purity, and cost-effective Boron nitride, or if you require the latest price of Boron nitride, please feel free to email contact mis-asia.
