The rare and versatile element Hafnium plays a crucial role in various advanced technologies. Hafnium is primarily used in the nuclear sector and aerospace industry due to its high corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures, but most notably for its capacity to absorb neutrons. In this article, we describe the origin of Hafnium and guide you through its applications.

The Use of Hafnium

Hafnium is a remarkable metal, not so much for its appearance, but primarily for the applications it is used in. It is not only highly resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, but its most notable characteristic is its ability to absorb neutrons. This has made Hafniumdue to the nature of its atomic nucleus and the types of isotopes that form after neutron capture. Unlike many other materials, the transformation from capturing the neutron generally results in stable or only slightly radioactive isotopes with either a short half-life or minimal radioactivity. This unique property is, of course, highly valuable in nuclear technology. Hafnium is therefore used in control rods that enable the regulation of a nuclear reaction, as well as a neutron-absorbing material in other parts of the reactor or in storage and transport containers. Hafnium is also widely used in the nuclear propulsion systems of submarines and ships. Other applications of Hafnium include:

  • Components in thelighting technology
  • As an alloying element in superalloys
  • Hard coatings
  • Optical coatings
  • Plasma cutters

Metel not only supplies Hafnium in various forms and sizes but also as part of different alloys in our program. Are you interested in purchasing Hafnium? Contact us at 0416 – 724 800 or email n.kesteloo@metel.nl.

The Discovery of Hafnium

Hafnium, also known as Hf 72, is a heavy, silver-gray transition metal that closely resembles Zirconium. This element was discovered in 1923 ondiscovered in Copenhagen by two scientists, Dirk Coster and George Charles. The name ‘Hafnium’ is derived from ‘Hafnia’, the Latin name for Copenhagen, as a tribute to the city where it was discovered. This discovery occurred in a piece of zirconium ore during their work with X-ray spectroscopy. The identification of this metal was a significant milestone for both the chemical and quantum mechanics industries, due to its outstanding ability to absorb neutrons.

Properties of Hafnium

The element Hafnium is distinguished by its exceptional properties and its rarity on Earth. It is primarily found in countries such as Brazil, Norway, and Australia, where it is embedded in minerals like Zirconium. The ‘ideal’ form of Hafnium varies…depending on its usage and application; however, Hafnium Carbide (HfC) is renowned for its exceptionally high melting point and hardness, and is considered the most valuable form for industrial use. This alloy is primarily applied in aerospace and technologies that operate under extreme conditions. This unique combination of properties makes Hafnium an essential element in both the nuclear industry and the development of future technologies.

Machinability

Hafnium is relatively difficult to machine due to its physical properties, such as its high melting point and tendency to become brittle at lower temperatures. Fortunately, with the right techniques and tools, Hafnium can be effectively machined. For machiningfrom Hafnium EDM, waterjet cutting, or tooling and coolants that withstand hardness and wear. Additionally, Hafnium is relatively reactive at higher temperatures and can react with oxygen and nitrogen in the air. Therefore, a protective atmosphere or even a vacuum is required to maintain the integrity of Hafnium during certain machining processes. Want to learn more about Metel’s services or the delivery times for Hafnium? Contact us at 0416 – 724 800 or email n.kesteloo@metel.nl.