Solid Lubricant Additives

hBN Hexagonal Boron Nitride Lubricant Additive — White Graphite

Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) solid lubricant additives for high-temperature grease, food-grade lubricants, and electrically insulating applications. White, inert, chemically stable.

Material Science

What Is Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN)?

Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN, CAS 10043-11-5) is a white crystalline solid often called "white graphite" for its structural similarity to graphite: alternating boron and nitrogen atoms form hexagonal layers that slide against each other under shear. Unlike graphite, hBN is electrically insulating, chemically inert, and white in color — properties that open application areas where MoS₂ and WS₂ are unsuitable.

hBN maintains its structure and lubrication properties at temperatures up to 900°C in air and 1,400°C in vacuum, making it the preferred solid lubricant for high-temperature metal forming, sintering operations, and ceramic processing. Its complete chemical inertness means compatibility with aggressive acids, bases, and reactive media.

Powderful Solutions supplies hBN powder (Solidex H002) optimized for lubricant formulation:

Solidex H002 — hBN Dry Powder

Ultra-pure hexagonal BN powder, D50 = 0.2 μm, 99.5% purity. For high-temperature greases, food-grade lubricants, electrically insulating applications, and ceramic processing.

Custom hBN Dispersions

Tailored hBN dispersions in mineral oil or PAO for specific applications. Contact our technical team for custom formulation support.

Performance

hBN Performance Characteristics

High-Temperature Lubrication

Stable lubricant film at 900°C in air. No oxidation, decomposition, or performance degradation at temperatures where MoS₂ (350°C) and organic additives fail.

Electrical Insulation

Unique among solid lubricants — hBN is a non-conductor. Essential for bearings, motors, and electrical equipment where conductive additives (MoS₂, graphite) would create short circuits.

Chemical Inertness

Resistant to strong acids, alkalis, and reactive media. Compatible with aggressive process environments in chemical, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

White/Colorless

Will not discolor white or light-colored lubricant products. Critical for food-grade grease and cosmetic/pharmaceutical applications where black additives are unacceptable.

Friction Reduction

COF 0.15–0.25 — lower than graphite but higher than WS₂ and MoS₂. Effective boundary lubricant for moderate-speed, high-temperature, or chemically aggressive contacts.

Biocompatibility

Chemically inert and non-toxic. Compatible with food-grade lubricant standards and pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.

Competitive Analysis

hBN vs. Other Solid Lubricants

PropertyhBNMoS₂WS₂Graphite
COF (dry)0.15–0.250.05–0.100.030.10–0.20
Max Temp (air)900°C350°C650°C450°C
Electrically insulating✓ Yes✗ No✗ No✗ No
ColorWhiteBlackDark greyBlack
Food-grade compatibleLimitedLimited
Chemical resistanceExcellentLimitedGoodGood
The only white, electrically insulating, chemically inert solid lubricant. When conductivity, color, or chemical reactivity rules out MoS₂, WS₂, or graphite — hBN is the solution. Its unique combination of properties makes it the standard choice for food-grade, high-temperature, and electrical applications.
Products

hBN Products from Powderful Solutions

Solidex H002 — hBN Dry Powder
CAS 10043-11-5 | D50 = 0.2 μm | 99.5% purity
Purity: 99.5%D50: 0.2 μmCrystal: HexagonalPacks: 1–25 kg

Ultra-pure hexagonal boron nitride powder for high-temperature greases, food-grade lubricant formulations, electrically insulating bearing greases, and ceramic processing aids.

View full specifications →
Applications

hBN Lubricant Additive Applications

High-Temperature Greases

hBN at 3–15 wt% in high-temperature base greases for oven conveyor bearings, kiln car bearings, and furnace equipment operating above 300°C where MoS₂ and synthetic additives decompose.

Food-Grade Lubricants

NSF H1-compatible solid lubricant for food processing equipment greases, conveyor chain lubricants, and incidental food-contact applications. White, odorless, non-toxic.

Electrical Equipment

Bearings and sliding contacts in electric motors, generators, and switchgear where conductive MoS₂ or graphite would cause insulation breakdown or short circuits.

Metal Forming — High Temp

Forging lubricants, hot-pressing compounds, and sintering aids for steel, titanium, and aluminum alloy manufacturing at temperatures exceeding 500°C.

Ceramics & Semiconductor

Release agent and lubricant in ceramic pressing, semiconductor wafer processing, and refractory manufacturing. Chemical inertness prevents contamination.

Composite & Polymer

Dry lubricant additive in PTFE, nylon, PEEK, and other engineering polymer composites for bearing and bushing applications requiring low friction without discoloration.

Technical FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hBN used for in lubricant formulations?
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is used as a high-temperature solid lubricant additive in greases, dry film coatings, and polymer composites. It is particularly valued for applications requiring electrical insulation, food-grade compatibility, chemical inertness, or operation above 350°C where MoS₂ and WS₂ are unsuitable. Common applications include oven conveyor greases, food processing equipment, electric motor bearings, and high-temperature metal forming compounds.
Why is hBN called white graphite?
hBN has the same hexagonal layered crystal structure as graphite, with boron and nitrogen atoms alternating in place of carbon. Like graphite, the weak van der Waals forces between planes allow easy shear and low friction. Unlike graphite, hBN is white, electrically insulating, and chemically inert — making it suitable for applications where graphite's electrical conductivity or black color is unacceptable.
Is hBN food-safe for use in food-grade lubricants?
Yes. hBN is chemically inert, non-toxic, and compatible with food-grade lubricant formulation standards. When blended into NSF H1-approved base oils and thickeners, hBN-containing greases can maintain NSF H1 certification for incidental food contact applications in food processing equipment. Powderful Solutions can provide purity and compliance documentation for food-grade applications.
What particle size hBN is best for grease additives?
Sub-micron hBN (D50 ≤ 0.5 μm) provides the best balance of lubrication effectiveness and dispersion stability in oil and grease carriers. Solidex H002 at D50 = 0.2 μm is specifically optimized for lubricant formulation applications. Coarser hBN (D50 > 5 μm) is appropriate for some coating and composite applications but can cause abrasive wear in precision tribological contacts.
What is the recommended treat rate for hBN in high-temperature grease?
For high-temperature bearing greases (oven conveyors, kiln cars, furnace equipment), 3–10 wt% hBN powder in a PFPE, silicone, or calcium sulfonate complex base is typical. At these treat rates, hBN provides adequate EP and AW protection at temperatures up to 900°C. For metalworking and forging compounds, higher loadings of 10–30 wt% are common.

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Our technical team works directly with lubricant formulators to optimize particle size, concentration, and carrier system for your application.

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