Boron (B) Sputtering Targets, Indium
Purity: 99.9% Size: 4” Thickness: 0.125”
Sputtering is a reliable and proven technique for depositing thin films from a wide variety of materials onto diverse substrate shapes and sizes. The process using sputter targets is highly repeatable and scalable, suitable for both small research projects and larger production batches with medium to large substrate areas. Depending on process parameters, chemical reactions may occur on the target surface, in-flight, or on the substrate. While sputter deposition involves many variables, it allows experts precise control over film growth and microstructure.
Applications of Sputtering Targets
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Thin Film Deposition: Material is eroded from a “target” source and deposited onto a substrate such as silicon wafers.
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Semiconductor Etching: Sputter etching is applied where high anisotropy is required, and selectivity is not critical.
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Analytical Techniques: In methods like secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), sputtered atoms are measured to determine material composition and detect trace impurities.
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Space Applications: Sputtering occurs naturally as a form of space weathering, altering the physical and chemical properties of airless bodies like asteroids and the Moon.
Boron Nitride Overview
Boron nitride (BN) is a heat- and chemically-resistant refractory compound of boron and nitrogen. It exists in multiple crystalline forms that are isoelectronic with carbon lattices:
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Hexagonal BN (h-BN): Soft, stable, lubricating, electrically insulating, and thermally conductive. Widely used in high-temperature metal forming dies, metal processing, and as a cosmetic additive.
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Cubic BN (c-BN): Analogous to diamond—softer than diamond but with superior thermal and chemical stability. Commonly used in high-temperature equipment and cutting tool coatings.
Properties and Coating Applications
Cubic boron nitride (c-BN) offers:
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High hardness
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Low friction coefficient
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Excellent thermal conductivity
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High electrical resistivity
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Superior wear resistance
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Chemical inertness at elevated temperatures
It is the hardest material after diamond and surpasses diamond in chemical stability against oxygen and ferrous metals at high temperatures.
Polymorphs and Applications:
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h-BN: Soft, lubricating, thermally conductive; used as solid lubricants and in high-temperature metal forming.
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c-BN: Hard, chemically inert, ideal for cutting tools; used in dry cutting, high-speed machining, and processing hard materials.
