Boron Nitride Ceramic: A Bullet Proof Material

To acquire further knowledge about the material Boron, one must learn several essential facts about it. The basic facts cover its chemical and material properties. It contains a significant element and is produced from its ores through a defined process. The material finds application in several sectors. With the advent of modern technologies and equipment, Boron finds use in innovative applications in the ceramics field.

Boron possesses chemical properties comparable to those of Carbon and Silicon. Consequently, it is in high demand within the chemical industry. Boron forms covalent bonds with other elements. These bonds occur with Silicon, Carbon, and with Boron itself. Thus, the ceramics industry utilises the material for producing ceramic products. It is also used to reinforce other materials including Aluminium and Steel.

Boron is a hard and brittle element. The periodic table indicates that its hardness should be comparable to that of Aluminium. In practice, its properties align with those observed in Silicon and Carbon. Although Boron is classified as a metal, its behaviour corresponds to that of non-metals including Graphite and Carbon. Pure Boron is very hard. Hardness tests indicate values approximating those measured for Diamond. It also exhibits a crystalline appearance.

Until the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, the utilisation of Boron was limited to a small number of applications. Researchers identified its usefulness in aerospace research as new technologies emerged. Boron exhibits properties such as high strength, excellent temperature resistance, and low weight. Consequently, the application of Boron fibres increased with demand for materials including ceramics, plastics, and Aluminium.

The bullet‐resistant structure is also known as the self‐protection structure. It involves the production of bullet‐resistant clothing, including jackets and additional equipment such as helmets, shoes, and protective eyewear for personal defence.

In bullet‐resistant fabric, a layer of high‐strength fabric is applied initially. This is followed by a layer of ceramic material, and then a second layer of high‐strength fabric is added. This configuration ensures that a ceramic layer is present between the layers of hard material, which is critical for the bullet‐resistant mechanism. Boron is the material that fulfils the technical requirements for this application. Its use in these applications has increased over time.