What Is Beryllium Oxide?
Beryllium oxide (BeO), known as beryllia, is a significant material in various high-temperature applications due to its exceptional chemical stability and high melting and boiling points. Its CAS number is 1304-56-9.
Uses of Beryllium Oxide
Its applications span from rocket tips and fuel chamber components to nuclear reactor moderators and neutron reflectors. Notably, beryllium oxide is utilized in environments requiring resistance to extreme temperatures and is a preferred ceramic material due to its high thermal conductivity (325 W/m-K), surpassing many metals like aluminum. It is essential in products needing insulation alongside heat dissipation, such as medical equipment, laser circuit boards, and semiconductor manufacturing tools.
Properties of Beryllium Oxide
As a white powder or colorless crystal, beryllium oxide exhibits a hexagonal wurtzite-type structure with a molecular weight of 25.01, melting point of 2,570°C, and boiling point of 3,900°C. Its density is 3.02 g/mL, and it shows minimal water solubility. While stable under normal conditions, it dissolves in concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid under specific conditions, forming various beryllium compounds.
Types of Beryllium Oxide
Available as both a reagent for research and development and an industrial ceramic material, beryllium oxide is offered in various grades and quantities, tailored to laboratory or industrial applications. Its versatility is evident in its range of strengths and thermal conductivities.
Reagent Products for Research and Development
For laboratory use, reagent products are supplied in practical quantities ranging from 5g to 500g, designed for ease of use and storage at room temperature due to their stability.
Industrial Ceramic Materials
As an industrial ceramic, beryllium oxide is prized for its excellent insulation properties and thermal conductivity. Potential users should consult with manufacturers for specific grades to meet their requirements.
Other Information on Beryllium Oxide
Synthesis of Beryllium Oxide
Beryllium oxide is synthesized through thermal decomposition of beryllium carbonate, beryllium nitrate, or beryllium hydroxide. Industrially, it is produced from beryllium sulfate, obtained by treating beryllium-containing materials with sulfuric acid, followed by decomposition with alkali at high temperatures.
Chemical Reaction of Beryllium Oxide
Despite its stability, beryllium oxide can react with concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid under high temperatures, leading to the formation of beryllium sulfate, beryllium chloride, and a fluorine complex, respectively.