What Is Pyrolytic Boron Nitride?
PBN is synthesized by chemically depositing boron and nitrogen atoms onto a heated substrate in a high-purity vacuum environment. The result is a layer-by-layer crystalline structure, producing a material that is:
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Ultra-pure (typically >99.99%)
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Fully dense and non-porous
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Resistant to chemical attack, oxidation, and thermal shock
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Smooth and fine-grained with no grain boundaries or impurities
Structure & Material Characteristics
Structure: Hexagonal (layered, anisotropic)
Manufacturing Method: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)
Key Traits:
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Ultra-high purity (semiconductor grade)
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Extremely low outgassing and moisture absorption
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High temperature stability (up to 2000°C in vacuum)
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Exceptional electrical insulation
Physical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Chemical Formula |
BN |
| Purity |
≥99.99% |
| Density |
1.9–2.2 g/cm³ |
| Color |
White to grayish-white |
| Surface Finish |
Non-porous, smooth, and glass-like |
Mechanical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Flexural Strength |
~50 MPa |
| Compressive Strength |
100–250 MPa |
| Machinability |
Good (post-deposition or with hybrid methods) |
Thermal & Electrical Properties
| Property |
Value |
| Maximum Use Temperature |
1800–2000°C (in vacuum) |
| Thermal Conductivity |
30–60 W/m·K (in-plane) |
| Electrical Resistivity |
>10¹⁴ Ω·cm |
| Dielectric Strength |
High (excellent insulator) |
| Outgassing |
Extremely low (ideal for UHV systems) |
Available Products
We provide a full range of PBN products manufactured via precision CVD:
PBN Crucibles
Used in crystal growth (e.g. GaAs, InP, SiC) and vacuum evaporation.
PBN-Coated Heaters
Combining PBN’s purity with graphite's conductivity for uniform high-temperature heating.
PBN Sheets & Discs
For custom-built thermal and chemical barriers in clean systems.
Custom PBN Components
Machined or formed for semiconductor, optics, or aerospace assemblies.
Key Applications
1. Semiconductor Processing
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PBN crucibles are essential in MBE, PVD, and CVD systems
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Ultra-pure containers for growing III-V crystals (e.g., GaAs, GaN, InP)
2. Vacuum & UHV Environments
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Non-outgassing and chemically stable even in ultra-clean, high-vacuum systems
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Components for ion sources, vacuum deposition tools, and shielding
3. High-Temperature Furnaces
4. Optoelectronics & Photonics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is PBN different from hot-pressed BN (HPBN)?
A: PBN is chemically vapor-deposited and ultra-pure, with a dense, binder-free structure. HPBN is pressed and sintered, more machinable but less pure.
Q: Can PBN handle direct exposure to molten metals?
A: Yes, especially in high-purity or reactive-metal environments like GaAs crystal growth.
Q: Is PBN safe for use in UHV or semiconductor fabrication tools?
A: Absolutely. PBN is specifically designed for ultra-clean systems with low outgassing and no grain-boundary contamination.
Q: Can PBN be machined after deposition?
A: Limited machining is possible; most PBN shapes are formed during deposition or assembled from pre-shaped components.
Your Trusted PBN Manufacturer
Stanford Advanced Materials offers Pyrolytic Boron Nitride components built to the highest purity standards for vacuum, semiconductor, and high-temperature environments. With full control over CVD manufacturing, we deliver precision components with exceptional reliability.
Contact Us for technical drawings, bulk pricing, or custom fabrication inquiries.
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