↳ This guide is part of our Hexagonal Boron Nitride Powder Resource Hub – specifications, SDS/TDS documents and pack options for every grade are on the product page.
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) powder comes in a wide range of particle sizes, from nano grades in the nanometer range to coarser micron grades. The one you buy depends on how the material is to be dispersed, applied and processed. Here’s what each size means and how the grades compare, plus tips for narrowing down the right one for your formulation.
hBN powder particle sizes, from finest to coarsest
The five grades are spread out over a range of almost three orders of magnitude. Bar lengths are indicative below – a 30 µm particle is around 430x the size of one of 70 nm.
| FINER PARTICLESCOARSER PARTICLES | ||
| 70 nm | Nano grade | |
| 0.5 µm | Fine grade | |
| 1.5 µm | Medium grade | |
| 5 µm | Coarser grade | |
| 30 µm | Coarsest grade | |
70 nm → 0.5 µm → 1.5 µm → 5 µm → 30 µm
As particle size gets smaller, surface area gets bigger and the powder disperses more finely; as it gets bigger, individual particles carry more material per grain.
hBN particle size selector
Match the grade to the fineness your formula needs. The technical brochure does not assign a specific particle size to each application – the particle size requirement of your own process is what matters.
| Available Size | Relative Size | Selection Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 70 nm | Nano | Very fine particle requirement |
| 0.5 µm | Fine | Fine micron-grade requirement |
| 1.5 µm | Medium | Intermediate particle size |
| 5 µm | Coarser | Larger micron-grade requirement |
| 30 µm | Coarsest | Largest standard micron-grade requirement |
What is hBN powder used for?
All grades are the same material - a white layered ceramic sometimes described as “white graphite”. Therefore, the application areas stated cover the size range.
| FRICTION & RELEASEDry and high-temperature lubrication, coatings and mold release: hBN continues to work at temperatures where oils and organic release agents burn off. | ELECTRICAL & THERMALElectrical insulation and thermal management: The unique property of hBN to insulate electrically, but conduct heat, makes it useful for electronics and thermal-interface applications. | PROCESSING & MATERIALSGlass processing and engineered materials, as a filler and processing aid in ceramics, polymers and other formulated systems |
Selection tip: Pick the grade based on your formulation, application method and required particle size, then confirm performance with a small trial under your actual operating conditions before scaling up. A short test now is much cheaper than reformulation later.
hBN powder particle size: frequently asked questions
+ What particle sizes does hBN powder come in?
In the range from nanometers to microns: 70 nm (nano), 0.5 µm (fine), 1.5 µm (medium), 5 µm (coarser) and 30 µm (coarsest). See product page for current availability of each grade.
+ Which hBN particle size is best?
There is no universal standard; the best grade depends on your formulation, method of application and the fineness your process requires. Use 70 nm for a very fine particle, 30 µm for the biggest micron grade that is good enough for the job and the 0.5, 1.5 or 5 µm grades for all the rest.
+ Does particle size change what hBN can be used for?
The material properties are the same across grades – the documented application areas (lubrication, coatings, mold release, insulation, thermal management, glass processing, engineered materials) apply to hBN generally, and the brochure does not assign a size to each one. Size mostly affects the powder dispersion and processing in your specific formulation.
+ What is the difference between nano and micron hBN powder?
Scale. The 70 nm nano grade is about 430 times smaller than the 30 µm grade, giving a much greater surface area per gram and a finer dispersion. Each individual particle in Micron grades has more material. Depends on the formulation and the behavior you want. Yes, we do custom grinding to your particle size needs.
+ Can I get a custom particle size?
Just Ask. Custom sizes and bulk quantities are possible upon request. Tell us your target particle size, quantity and application and the team can tell you what we have available.
+ What should I check before ordering?
Purity, pack sizes, and availability. The current brochure and SDS for the grade you have shortlisted. If you can’t decide between two grades, buy small quantities of each and let a bench trial decide.
Find the right hBN grade for your process
Compare the 70 nm, 0.5 µm, 1.5 µm, 5 µm, and 30 µm grades, download the brochure and SDS or speak to a Lowerfriction specialist about your particle size and quantity requirements.
View Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) PowderSources: hBN powder product brochure and product listings (M K Impex Corp. / Lowerfriction Lubricants). The brochure lists grades from 70 nm to 5 µm; the 30 µm grade is listed on the product page. The brochure lists the application areas of hBN in general and does not specify a particular particle size for each application. Mississauga, Canada. Exporting to 50+ countries since 2004.
The article is for general technical information and not application-specific engineering or safety advice. The results are dependent upon product, materials, methods, equipment and operating conditions. Read existing SDS, TDS & product directions, test a small sample first & confirm suitability before wider use. Read the full Technical Information and Use Disclaimer