Obtaining heterogeneous Al/BN nanoparticles in microwave plasma

In this work, the interaction of a mixture of Al and BN nanopowder with hydrogen microwave plasma was studied. Using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, the formation of AlN and AlB$_2$ nanocrystals as a result of short-term ($\sim$30 ms) interaction of Al vapor with $h$-BN was established. Obtained results also indicate the formation of hydrogenated hexagonal boron nitride $h$-BN-H. The critical shear stresses were calculated for the interfaces between BN and Al, AlB$_2$, and AlN. Approaches for increasing the strength of the composite materials based on hexagonal boron nitride and aluminum are discussed.