Samarium (Sm)
Bid:
21%
Invest
- Key Properties:
- Has relatively high magnetic energy and Curie temperature.
- Less oxidation-resistant in pure form compared to some other rare earths but still requires atmospheric protection.
Applications:
- Magnets (SmCo): Samarium-cobalt magnets are among the most heat-resistant permanent magnets, operable at high temperatures.
- Nuclear Reactors: Used as a neutron-absorbing additive (e.g., samarium-149).
- Electronics: Utilized in various sensors and smart materials due to its magnetic properties.
Description
Chemical Symbol: Sm
Periodic Table Position: 62nd element (part of the lanthanoid group)
Main Characteristics
- Appearance: Silvery-white, soft metal.
- Physical Properties: Density ~7.52 g/cm³, melting point ~1072°C.
- Magnetic Properties: Exhibits paramagnetic properties; under specific conditions, forms ferromagnetic alloys.
Key Applications
- Permanent Magnets (SmCo):
- Samarium-cobalt magnets have high coercivity and thermal resistance, used in aerospace, military technology, and high-speed motors.
- Nuclear Energy:
- Certain samarium isotopes are used in reactor control (neutron absorption).
- Lasers and Optical Glass:
- Samarium compounds are used in optical filters and absorbing glass.
Interesting Facts
- Named after the mineral "samarskite," itself named after Russian mining engineer Vasili Samarsky-Bykhovets.
- SmCo magnets were the first commercially available "supermagnets" before the advent of NdFeB.
- Uniqueness: Forms stable magnets and is used in reactors as a neutron moderator.
- Importance: Vital for energy, electronics, and medicine.
- Extraction Challenges: Requires complex processing methods.
