In this study, TiN-coated cBN (cubic-structure boron nitride) powders were successfully synthesized by a sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) and by controlling the heat treatment conditions. After the sol-gel process, amorphous nano-sized TiOx was uniformly coated on the surface of cBN powder particles. The obtained TiOx-coated cBN powders were heated at 1,000~1,300℃ for 1 or 6 h in a flow of 95%N2-5%H2 mixed gas. With increasing temperature, the chemical composition of the TiOx coating layer changed in the order of TiO₂→Ti₆O₁₁→Ti₄O₇→TiN due to reduction of the Ti ions. The TiN coating layer was observable in the samples heated at 1,200℃ and appeared as the main phase in the sample heated at 1,300℃. The resulting thickness of the TiN coating layer of the sample heated at 1,300℃ was approximately 45~50 nm.

Hexagonal boron nitride particles (s-hBN) modified with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) were used for the preparation of silicone composite materials. The microstructure of the composite materials was observed, and the thermal conduction and mechanical characteristics of the composite sheets were studied based on the compositions and microstructures. When a small amount of s-hBN particles was used, the thermal conductivity of the composite improved as a whole, and the tensile strength of the sheet also increased. The thermal conductivity and tensile strength of the composite in which a small amount of carbon fiber was added along with s-hBN were further improved. However, the use of carbon nanotubes with structural characteristics similar to those of carbon fiber resulted in lower thermal conductivity and tensile strength. Elastic silicone composites exhibiting 2.5 W/mK of thermal conductivity and a low hardness are expected to be used as thermally conductive interfacial sheet materials.