Hafnium is an element found in the period table with the atomic number 72 and the symbol Hf. It is a soft, bright, and corrosive metal that is most commonly used as an alloying agent and is also found in zircon, a common mineral. Hafnium is found in nature in near equal amounts to its sister element zirconium, and is often extracted from the same ores.
Unlike many elements, hafniums history is relatively short and the element was first identified in 1923 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The process of separating hafnium from zirconium first occurred in 1936 at the University of Manchester. Once separated, hafnium seemed to have no practical uses and no one could find any signifi cant applications for it. That is, until it was discovered that hafnium can be used as an alloying agent in tungsten, a material that is used to make specialty alloys.
Today, hafnium is used primarily as an alloying agent, as well as in nuclear reactors, electronics, and other specialized high-tech products. The primary use of hafnium is as a material for control rods in nuclear reactors because the element has a very large and stable neutron absorption cross-section, meaning it can absorb large amounts of neutrons quickly and simultaneously. This allows them to act as a safeguard from uncontrolled nuclear reactions. Hafnium is also being studied for use as a material for semiconductor elements, as well as for its ability to form superconducting alloys.
Because of its unique properties, hafnium has become an important element in the high-tech industry. It is not only used for its ability to absorb neutrons, but also because it can increase the strength and refractory characteristics of certain materials. For example, hafnium has been used to increase the strength and resistance of titanium alloys, as well as to increase the heat resistance of nickel-based superalloys.
Although hafnium is relatively rare on earth it is abundant in the universe, and is one of the most common elements on asteroids and comets. It is believed to have been created during the Big Bang, and has since been distributed throughout the universe. This means the hafnium on earth is believed to be very old, and has been recycled through the Earths crust numerous times.
Hafnium is a essential element with many potential applications in the technological world. It is found abundantly in space and extremely resistant to heat and corrosion. It has been used as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors and as a alloying agent in many different materials. As its use continues to spread, it is safe to assume that hafnium will become an even more important element in the future.
