History
Hafnium was first discovered by Dirk Coster and Charles von Hevesy in Denmark.
Before its discovery in 1923 it was thought that Hafnium was in various
zirconium minerals and concentrations. It was then discovered in zirconium ore
from Norway by x-ray analysis. The origin of the name comes from the latin word
"Hafnia". It is rarely encountered by most people and in solid metal form does
not cause problems. All hafnium compounds however are considered toxic and the
powder and dust presents a fire and explosion hazard.
Fabrication and Applications
Hafnium is fabricated into ingot form through vacuum arc melting of material
into slab form and then rolling into plate and sheet product. It is a highly
complex reduction process from raw ore to finished product due to the fact it is
extremely difficult to separate from zirconium.
Applications for Hafnium include: Nuclear fuel rods because it readily absorbs
thermal neutrons, has good mechanical properties and is vary corrosion
resistant. It can be used as a "getter" for oxygen and nitrogen gases and can be
used inside of gas filled incandescent lamps. Due to its high melting point and
high electron emissions it can also be used in radio tubes, rectifiers and as
cathodes in x-ray tubes. Its biggest use is in alloying with other metals to
enhance the properties of the same.
Hafnium is generally produced in plate or sheet form only but it can be
fabricated into thin foils as well. H Cross Company can produce Hafnium sheet
and foil from .0005" to .020" thick at widths from .150" to 2" wide. If you wish
to inquire about sizes outside these ranges
email with your requirements and we
will see if we can accommodate your request.
Packaging
H Cross Company will package your product by a method suitable to ensure the
material will not be damaged during transport to your facility. Depending on the
size and length the material may be packed flat or spooled onto non-returnable
containers.
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