X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize the three-dimensional order

and the crystallite size for 17 hBN powders intended to be used as precursors in the

cBN synthesis. Six hBN powders (group A) were obtained by the amidic method

(borax+urea) purposely for this research and the remaining 11 hBN powders

(group B) were commercial products of recognized companies. Attempts were

made to establish linear correlations between the X-ray revealed parameters of the

hBN powders. An explanation sustained on experimental basis was proposed for

the different linear correlation between the graphitizing index G.I. and order

parameter p3 in the two groups, that points to the existence of polytype stacking

faults in hBN depending on the way of fabrication.

An Attempt to Identify the Presence of Polytype Stacking Faults in hBN Powders by

Means of X-Ray Diffraction. M.G.Balint, M.I.Petrescu: Diamond and Related

Materials, 2009, 18[9], 1157-62