NNT knowhow

NNT’s scientists and engineers have invested 15 years of research and development time into the fabrication and verification of nano-structured boron compounds obtained using detonation techniques. NNT is able to produce these materials in considerable quantities. The nano-structured boron compounds are produced by combining the elements of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen with boron derivatives with negative oxygen balance. Latter means that the oxygen content is lower than the stoichiometric value. The non-oxidizing atmosphere and the pressure/temperature conditions during the detonations foster the formation of diamond-like boron compounds.

NNT can control the formation of different types of boron-based nano-crystals of various sizes and chemical decomposition, such as

· boron diamond powder (MCDP),
· nano boron (NBN),
· cubic boron nitride (cBN).

Among all types of nano-materials produced by NNT, MCDP is one of the most interesting due to the broad spectrum of possible applications in various technical fields. MCDP is a diamond-like composite material that consists of boron-carbon (80-89%), nitrogen (2-3%), hydrogen (0.5-1.5%) and oxygen (up to 10%) as well as a small amount of incombustible residue atoms (0.5-8%). The distribution of these ingredients and impurities added through the fabrication process are the key parameters that determine the physical and chemical of MCDP. NNT has developed unique process technologies that allow reproducing specific key parameters by carefully selecting the pre-cleaning and detonations parameters. X-ray powder diffractometry, electron microscopy and IR spectroscopy are applied to regularly to monitor the quality of the product.