Mechanical properties of superhard boron subnitride B13N2

TL;DR

This study systematically investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of B13N2, revealing its superhard nature and potential as a superabrasive or binder material for cubic boron nitride.

Contribution

It provides detailed mechanical characterization of B13N2, establishing its superhard properties and potential applications, which was not comprehensively documented before.

Findings

B13N2 exhibits high hardness and elastic properties.

B13N2 has fracture toughness suitable for superabrasive applications.

B13N2 can serve as a promising superabrasive or binder material.

Abstract

Microstructure and mechanical properties of bulk polycristalline rhombohedral boron subnitride B13N2 synthesized by crystallization from the B-BN melt at 7 GPa have been systematically studied by micro- and nanoindentation, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained data on hardness, elastic properties and fracture toughness clearly indicate that B13N2 belongs to a family of superhard phases and can be considered as a promising superabrasive or binder for cubic boron nitride.