Hafnium Wire - Material Information

9 July 2024
Hafnium Wire - Material Information

Hafnium is a silvery-gray transition metal known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high melting point, and strong neutron absorption capability. Discovered in 1923 by D. Coster and G.C. von Hevesey, hafnium is chemically similar to zirconium but distinguished by its much greater neutron-capture cross-section. Its high stability in extreme environments makes it a critical material for nuclear reactor control rods, aerospace components, and advanced high-temperature alloys.

Material Overview

Hafnium crystallizes in a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure with a density of 13.31 g·cm?³ and a melting point of 2227 °C. It is highly corrosion-resistant due to the formation of a stable oxide layer (HfO?) that protects against oxidation and acid attack. Guillen and Harris (2016) demonstrated that hafnium–aluminum intermetallic composites exhibit superior thermal conductivity and radiation tolerance, with conductivities adjustable through composition and irradiation annealing. More recent work by Carriello et al. (2024) confirmed that hafnium corrosion occurs primarily after the breakdown of the oxide layer in concentrated sulfuric acid, and that corrosion rates increase significantly with temperature. Jakhar and Planella (2022) showed that Zr–Hf alloys exhibit enhanced neutron absorption efficiency and improved mechanical performance compared to pure zirconium, with neutron shielding equivalent to half the thickness of conventional materials. These findings underscore hafnium’s dual advantages: corrosion resistance and functional performance in high-radiation environments.

Applications and Advantages

Hafnium is indispensable in nuclear technology due to its strong neutron absorption cross-section (~104 barns for thermal neutrons), making it ideal for reactor control rods and neutron shielding. Its high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance support its use in aerospace turbines, plasma torches, and vacuum tube electrodes. Hafnium alloys, as outlined by Cheng and Yang (1994), exhibit excellent mechanical properties, creep resistance, and corrosion stability, even under irradiation and high-pressure environments. Additionally, hafnium’s compatibility with titanium and zirconium makes it a valuable alloying addition for structural materials where mechanical toughness and neutron moderation are both required. In advanced applications, hafnium-based coatings and composites are being developed for fusion energy systems and thermally stable sensors.

Goodfellow Availability

Goodfellow supplies high-purity Hafnium (Hf) Wire in a variety of diameters suitable for research, nuclear, and high-temperature engineering applications. Each product is produced with strict purity control to ensure minimal gas contamination and consistent performance under demanding thermal and chemical conditions. Custom forms and specific dimensional tolerances can be provided upon request to support specialized experimental or industrial uses.

Explore Hafnium (Hf) - Wire - Material Information and other advanced materials in Goodfellow’s online catalogue: Goodfellow product finder.

References

  • Guillen, D. P., & Harris, W. H. (2016). Measurement and simulation of thermal conductivity of hafnium–aluminum thermal neutron absorber material. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions E, 3(2), 98–109.
  • Carriello, G. M., Pegoraro, G. M., Alves, L. R., & Mambrini, G. P. (2024). Hafnium surface changes during dissolution in concentrated sulfuric acid. Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnik, 55(7), 654–663.
  • Jakhar, F., & Planella, J. (2022). Zirconium-based neutron absorption material with outstanding corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Journal of Nuclear Materials, 562, 153763.
  • Cheng, B., & Yang, R. L. (1994). Hafnium alloys as neutron absorbers. Electric Power Research Institute Patent.
  • Yamaguchi, H., Takeda, S., Nagai, T., & Kawada, T. (1992). Hafnium-containing alloy. Japanese Patent.
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