denka boron nitride is a thermally and chemically resistant refractory compound of boron and nitrogen. It can be obtained in crystalline form from a combination of boron trifluoride and nitrogen precursors. Boron nitride can be formed in a few allotropes: hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), sphalerite boron nitride (b-BN), and wurtzite boron nitride (g-BN).

Hexagonal boron nitride, like graphite, has high lubricating properties, high electrical conductivity, and superior thermal stability. It can also be used to make coatings for high-temperature protective release, as a 'barrier layer' between dissimilar materials, and as a lubricant on wear parts.

Cubic boron nitride, or c-BN, has comparable properties to diamond, but is more resistant to corrosion and is also much more dense. It is often used in abrasives instead of diamond and is useful for cutting steel, forming ferrous alloys, and etching metals.

Porous boron nitride can uptake 3300 wt% of adsorbates, making it suitable for a variety of applications. It is a promising material for hydrogen uptake and storage.

It can also be used to reinforce polymer, ceramic, and metal composites. Its high mechanical strength and thermal conductivity improve the structural integrity of these composites.

Boron nitride is an excellent dielectric in resistive random access memories and can be used as a substrate for semiconductors. It is also a good candidate for microwave-transparent windows in quantum devices.

It is widely used in a variety of lubricant and mold release agents for plastic and metal injection moldings. It is a good alternative to graphite and can be applied in a thick liquid form or diluted with water to give it a more sprayable consistency.