Advantages of Using PBN Crucibles in High-Temperature Applications

18 Aug.,2025

 

Advantages of Using PBN Crucibles in High-Temperature Applications

Pyrolytic Boron Nitride (PBN) crucibles are a great choice for many high-temperature processes. These crucibles offer several benefits, like good heat transfer, high purity, resistance to chemicals, and surfaces that do not stick. Knowing these advantages can help businesses improve their work and get better results.

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Good Heat Transfer

PBN crucibles are known for their excellent heat transfer. They have a thermal conductivity of about 60 W/m·K at room temperature, which is higher than many other ceramic materials. This means they heat up quickly and evenly, which is important for processes needing stable temperatures. For example, in crystal growth, even a small temperature change can affect the quality of the final product. PBN crucibles keep the heat even, which leads to better quality.

Their ability to transfer heat well also saves energy. PBN crucibles reach the needed temperature faster and stay there, so they use less energy. This helps lower costs and reduces the impact on the environment.

High Purity

PBN crucibles are made through a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This process makes them very pure, often up to 99.999% (5N). Unlike other crucibles, which might release impurities at high temperatures, PBN crucibles stay pure even under extreme heat. This is very important in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, where even tiny impurities can cause problems.

Because they are so pure, PBN crucibles do not react with the materials inside them. For example, when growing crystals like gallium arsenide (GaAs), PBN crucibles stop any impurities that could cause defects. This helps produce high-quality materials that are reliable and effective.

Resistance to Chemicals

PBN crucibles are also highly resistant to chemicals. They stay stable even in harsh conditions and do not react with most acids, bases, or molten metals. This makes them perfect for processes that involve strong chemicals or very high temperatures.

For example, in metal evaporation, where metals are heated until they turn into vapor, PBN crucibles do not react with the molten metal. They remain stable, even at temperatures over 2,000 degrees Celsius. This reduces the chance of contamination and helps the crucibles last longer, which saves money over time.

Non-Stick Surfaces

PBN crucibles have surfaces that most materials do not stick to. This is useful in processes with molten substances, like metal casting or thin-film deposition. The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove materials and reduces waste.

For example, in Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), a process used to create thin layers of materials, PBN crucibles prevent the materials from sticking to the crucible walls. This makes it easier to take out the finished product and keeps the materials pure. It also means less cleaning, saving time and effort.

Better Performance in High-Temperature Uses

The mix of good heat transfer, high purity, chemical resistance, and non-stick surfaces makes PBN crucibles ideal for many high-temperature processes. These features help ensure more consistent and reliable results. For example, in semiconductor manufacturing, PBN crucibles help keep materials like silicon pure, leading to better final products.

When making high-purity materials like sapphire or gallium nitride, PBN crucibles provide a clean environment, keep out impurities, and maintain steady temperatures. This results in fewer defects and higher yields, which boosts both efficiency and profits.

Long-Lasting and Cost-Effective

Although PBN crucibles may cost more at first than some other materials, they save money over time. They are strong and last a long time, meaning they do not need to be replaced often. This cuts down on downtime and lowers costs. Their resistance to wear and chemical damage makes them a smart choice for high-temperature uses.

Useful in Many Industries

PBN crucibles are used in many fields, such as electronics, aerospace, and materials science. In electronics, they are important for making semiconductors and LEDs, where purity is key. In aerospace, they are used in processes that involve high-temperature materials, like making superalloys or ceramics. In materials science, PBN crucibles help with experiments that involve high heat, providing a stable environment for research.

They are also great for different types of coating processes, like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Their stability and non-reactive nature make them an excellent choice for quality results in these processes.

Crucibles Selection Guide | MSE Supplies LLC

MSE Supplies is your source for many types of crucibles, including MgO crucibles ranging from 10 mL to 100 mL, metal crucibles, ceramic crucibles, and high-purity lab crucibles. We also produce customized crucibles to your specifications from your applications. Request a quote today.

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What are Crucibles

Crucibles are essential lab tools that withstand extreme temperatures and harsh chemical conditions. They're containers crafted from high-purity materials like metals and ceramics, ensuring minimal contamination during use. Crucibles are integral to various scientific tasks, including melting, mixing, and analyzing samples under precise temperature and chemical control. With the diversity of materials available, such as Alumina, Zirconia, or Magnesium Oxide, it is critical to select the appropriate type of crucible for your specific application.

Types of Crucibles

What are crucibles made of? Crucibles comprise various materials, including metals, ceramics, and compounds, each suitable for different applications, often based on the crucible melting point. MSE Supplies offers many types of crucibles, including:

  • Alumina Crucibles: Widely used due to their high melting points and chemical resistance. Ideal for routine lab research.
  • Magnesium Oxide Crucibles: These can withstand ultra-high temperatures and are often preferable to lithium solid-state electrolyte synthesis.
  • Zirconia Crucibles: Known for their excellent wear resistance and are suitable crucibles for melting precious metals and super-alloys.
  • Boron Nitride Crucibles: Highlighted for their high thermal conductivity and excellent thermal shock resistance.
  • Graphite Crucibles: They are the best crucibles for melting metal and induction heating because of their high-temperature resistance.
  • Porcelain Crucibles: Economical choice for applications with temperatures below °C.
  • Quartz Crucibles: Excellent for material melting and chemical reactions in tube furnaces due to their thermal shock resistance and chemical inertness.

Order High-Quality Crucibles from MSE Supplies

When you choose MSE Supplies for all types of crucibles, you can count on the following:

  • Superior Quality: Our crucibles deliver reliable performance under extreme conditions, crafted from high-purity materials.
  • Broad Variety: We offer all types of crucibles in various materials like Alumina, Zirconia, and Magnesium Oxide for diverse applications.
  • Expert Assistance: Our experienced team provides insights into the best crucible for melting metal or your unique needs.

Order all types of crucibles from MSE Supplies today. We offer the best quality crucibles in the industry for the lowest prices. Our in-house materials scientists are committed to providing exceptional service and advice. Check out our special offers and programs, then order online or request a quote. 

If you have any questions, we’re here to help! Contact us online, or call at (520)789-.

What are the Factors for Selecting a Crucible?

There are several factors one needs to consider when selecting a crucible, this can seem a daunting task because there are several things to consider. These factors can range from needed volume, the shape, and the chemical reactions between the crucible and the chemicals you put in it no name just a couple. Here is a list of some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a crucible. 

  • What temperature will the crucible need to withstand?
  • What material crucible will be selected?
  • Is the material in the crucible going to react with the crucible?
  • Is the ramp rate being used going to thermally shock the crucible?
  • Is there a thermal gradient across the crucible, if so how will that affect the crucible?
  • What volume crucible will I need?
  • Will the geometry of the crucible be important?
  • Will the crucible fit in the furnace?
  • Is the crucible going to be used more than once?

This might seem a daunting list of questions to answer, but if you have ever chosen the wrong crucible for the job and ended up rebuilding your furnace you know the importance of answering these questions. If you need help choosing please continue reading this article. If you still need help our knowledgeable staff at MSE Supplies are here to help. Please feel free to us at to help you select a suitable crucible for your needs. 

What crucibles materials do MSE Supplies offer?

Alumina (Al2O3) Crucibles

Alumina crucibles (Al2O3) are widely used due to its versatility and its low cost. It is the most commonly used crucible for lab research use. The material has a high melting point is and relatively chemically inert. MSE Supplies offers a wide variety of shapes and sizes of Alumina crucibles.  If you need a size or shape not listed on our website, please us at . 

  • Melting point – 2,072 °C
  • Recommended Max working temperature – 1,600 °C
  • Max ramp rate - 5 °C/min < °C or 4 °C/min > °C
  • Max cooling rate - 2 °C/min
  • Avoid Thermal gradients
  • High Purity Alumina Rectangular Boat Crucibles at MSE Supplies
  • High Purity Alumina Cylindrical Crucibles at MSE Supplies
  • High Purity Alumina High Form Crucibles at MSE Supplies
  • High Purity Alumina Sample Pans to TGA and DCS at MSE Supplies

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) Crucibles

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) crucibles are good for ultra high temperatures and have a better chemical resistivity than that of alumina. MgO crucibles are usually inert to metals, slags, and superconducting compounds. When MgO crucibles are used in lithium solid state electrolyte synthesis or sintering, MgO has its own unique advantage of not reacting with lithium unlike Al2O3 crucibles, therefore it maintains the lithium vapor pressure better without causing access lithium loss in the solid state electrolyte. If you need a size or shape not listed on our website, please us at . 

  • Melting point – 2,852 °C
  • Recommended Max working temperature – 2,200 °C
  • Max ramp rate - 3 °C/min
  • Max cooling rate - 3 °C/min
  • Avoid thermal Gradients
  • 10 ml Magnesium Oxide Crucibles at MSE Supplies
  • 50 ml Magnesium Oxide Crucibles at MSE Supplies
  • 100 ml Magnesium Oxide Crucibles at MSE Supplies
  • Magnesium Oxide Rectangular Boat Crucibles at MSE Supplies

Zirconia (ZrO2) Crucibles

Zirconia (ZrO2) crucibles have excellent wear, chemical and temperature resistance. It can withstand high temperatures. It is ideal for applications which require temperatures higher than Alumina crucibles can withstand temperature (°C), such as melting of precious metals and super-alloys which have melting point higher than °C. If you need a size or shape not listed on our website, please us at .   

  • Melting point – 2,715 °C
  • Recommended Max working temperature – °C (air);  °C (N2 or Vacuum)
  • Max ramp rate - 5 °C/min
  • Max cooling rate - 5 °C/min
  • High Purity Zirconia High Form Crucibles at MSE Supplies

Boron Nitride (BN) Crucibles

Boron Nitride (BN) crucibles are a synthetic technical ceramic material. It has outstanding thermal characteristics: high thermal conductivity (751 W/mK) and excellent thermal shock resistance. The unique property of BN crucible is that it is non-wetting with molten metal. It is widely used for crystal growth, melting metals, rare earth materials, fluorides, glass, silicon, molten salt and luminescent materials. It is ideal for oxygen sensitive applications. If you need a size or shape not listed on our website, please us at . 

  • Melting point – 2,973 °C
  • Recommended Max working temperature – 900 °C (air),  °C (vacuum), °C (N2 or Ar)
  • Max ramp rate - 50 °C/min
  • Max cooling rate – can quench
  • High Purity Boron Nitride Cylindrical Crucibles at MSE Supplies

Graphite (C) Crucibles

Graphite (C) crucibles are made from high purity (>99.9%) graphite raw material. It has unique features such as high temperature resistance, excellent acid and alkali resistance, good thermal shock resistance, excellent thermal/electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. It is widely used for induction heating and metal melting, such as Ag, Au, Cu and Al metals.  If you need a size or shape not listed on our website, please us at . 

  • Melting point – 3,600 °C (non-oxidizing environment)
  • Recommended Max working temperature – 400 °C (air), °C (non-oxidizing environment)
  • High Purity Cylindrical Graphite Crucibles at MSE Supplies

Porcelain Crucibles

Porcelain crucibles have good wear resistance, high temperature tolerance, excellent cold crushing and thermal shock resistance, and excellent chemical corrosion resistance. It is widely used for metallurgy, glass melting, gemstone purification, chemical industry and material science. It is the most economical crucible for applications with temperature lower than °C. If you need a size or shape not listed on our website, please us at . 

  • Recommended Max working temperature – °C
  • Max ramp rate - 3 °C/min
  • Max cooling rate – 3 °C/min
  • High Form Porcelain Crucibles at MSE Supplies

Quartz Crucibles

Quartz crucibles (>99.99%) have excellent thermal shock resistance and are chemically inert to most elements and compounds, including virtually all acids, regardless of concentration, except hydrofluoric acid. They are widely used for material melting and chemical reactions in tube furnaces. If you need a size or shape not listed on our website, please us at . 

  • Melting point – 1,670 °C (non-oxidizing environment)
  • Recommended Max working temperature – 1,200 °C
  • Max ramp rate - 3 °C/min
  • Max cooling rate – 3 °C/min
  • High Purity Quartz Boat Crucibles at MSE Supplies

MSE Supplies  (msesupplies.com/) is a major supplier of crucibles.  MSE Supplies offers a wide range of high purity lab crucibles, including Alumina (Al2O3)Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), Magnesium Oxide (MgO), Boron Nitride (BN), Porcelain, Graphite (Carbon), Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), Tantalum (Ta), Tungsten (W), Zirconium (Zr), PTFE and more.  Customized lab crucibles are available upon request.  Find popular high purity laboratory crucibles for sale at MSE Supplies. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit crucibles manufacturer.