CNB, cubic nitride boron, is one of the class of superhard materials, only some 20 percent to 40 percent less hard than diamond. While taking second place to diamond in hardness, CNB outshines the gem in other important areas: The composites are nonreactive to carbon, making it possible to tool the iron and steel that make up 90 percent of the material mechanical engineering uses. In contrast, diamond reacts with carbon, one of its components, limiting its use. Instruments made of nanoCNB can cut metal that could not be cut earlier.

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Translated by CERADIR® Team