Features of phase transformations in boron nitride

Various forms of boron nitride, including amorphous α-BN, hexagonal h-BN, turbostratic t-BN, rhombohedral r-BN, explosion-generated E-BN, wurtzitic w-BN and cubic c-BN, and their transformations under shock compression, ball-milling, heating, electron-beam or laser irradiation are discussed, focusing especially on the E-phase formation by different methods, and properties and structural models of this phase. It is shown that E-BN has a fullerene-like structure.

Research highlights
► Forms of BN and their modification by shock-pressure and other means are reviewed.
► Combined dynamic-static compression enhances the yield of high-pressure w-BN phase.
► E-phase of BN made by explosion or laser beam has fullerene-type structure.