What is Beryllium (Be) Micron Powder?
Beryllium (Be) Micron Powder is a fine metallic powder composed of elemental beryllium particles typically sized in the micrometer range (1–100 μm). Known for its lightweight, high stiffness, and excellent thermal stability, Beryllium micron powder is used in highly specialized industrial applications where performance under extreme conditions is critical.
Chemical Properties and CAS Number
Chemical Name: Beryllium
- Chemical Formula: Be
- CAS Number: 7440-41-7
- Molecular Weight: 9.0122 g/mol
- Density: 1.85 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1287°C
- Boiling Point: 2471°C
- Appearance: Grey metallic powder
- Thermal Conductivity: ~200 W/(m·K)
- Electrical Conductivity: Moderate
- Crystal Structure: Hexagonal close-packed (HCP)
Applications of Beryllium Micron Powder
1. Aerospace and Defense
- Used in satellites, missiles, and spacecraft components due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability at varying temperatures.
2. Nuclear Technology
- Acts as a neutron reflector and moderator in nuclear reactors and fusion research systems.
3. Thermal Management Materials
- Incorporated into heat sinks, thermal interface materials, and ceramic-metal composites for electronics and high-performance computing.
4. X-ray Windows and Detection Systems
- Its low atomic number allows Beryllium to transmit X-rays efficiently, making it valuable in X-ray equipment and scientific instruments.
5. Advanced Alloys
- Beryllium powder is alloyed with copper or aluminum to produce high-performance, fatigue-resistant materials used in automotive, electronics, and precision instruments.
Safety Note: Beryllium is toxic when inhaled. Proper handling, protective equipment, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, REACH) are essential.
Price Range (Indicative)
- Laboratory Grade (99%+ purity): $800 – $1,500 per 100 grams
- Industrial Grade (bulk): $4,000 – $8,000 per kg (depending on purity and specs)
- Custom Particle Size / Ultra-Pure: Prices may exceed $10,000 per kg
Factors Influencing Price
- Purity level (99%, 99.5%, 99.9%)
- Particle size distribution
- Surface passivation or coating
- Packaging & transport restrictions (hazardous material protocols)
- Country-specific regulations (export/import controls on Be)
Conclusion
Beryllium Micron Powder is a highly specialized material offering light weight, thermal stability, and neutron transparency, critical for cutting-edge sectors such as aerospace, defense, nuclear energy, and precision instrumentation. While expensive and tightly regulated due to toxicity, its performance advantages make it irreplaceable in many advanced engineering applications.