Since beryllium is a low-density metal with exceptional strength, low weight in comparison to other metals, high heat-absorbing capacity, and dimensional stability across a wide temperature range, it finds use in a variety of industries, including the nuclear, automotive, aerospace, defense, medical, and electronics sectors.
The lightest of the alkaline-earth metals in Group 2 (IIa) of the periodic table, beryllium (Be) is utilized as a hardening agent in metallurgy and in several nuclear and space applications.
Beryllium is a light metal (1.85 g cm−3) with a hexagonal close-packed structure (axial ratio = 1.568). Table 1 compares the compositions of S200D Be and S200F, two typical grades of Be (Brush Wellman), which are both made from powder sources.
In this article, we explore what beryllium is, its properties, and its uses.
What is Beryllium?
At room temperature, beryllium is a steel-gray metal that is extremely brittle. Its chemical characteristics are similar to those of aluminum. In nature, it doesn’t happen freely.
The minerals beryl and emerald, which the ancient Egyptians were familiar with, contain beryllium. The two minerals’ similarities had long been assumed, but it wasn’t until the late 18th century that this was confirmed chemically.
Today, emerald is recognized as a green beryl variation. French scientist Nicolas-Louis Vauquelin found beryllium as an oxide in beryl and emeralds in 1798. German chemist Friedrich Wöhler and French chemist Antoine A.B.
separately separated beryllium as a metal in 1828. Bussy by using potassium to reduce its chloride. Beryllium is frequently found in the crust of the Earth and is thought to be present in igneous rocks up to a depth of 0.
The lightest of the alkaline-earth metals in Group 2 (IIa) of the periodic table, beryllium (Be) is utilized as a hardening agent in metallurgy and in several nuclear and space applications. The only stable light metal with a comparatively high melting point is beryllium.
Despite being easily attacked by nonoxidizing acids and alkalies, beryllium quickly develops an adherent oxide surface coating that, under normal circumstances, shields the metal from additional air oxidation.
These chemical characteristics, along with its high heat capacity and conductivity, excellent electrical conductivity, good mechanical properties at high temperatures, and extremely high modulus of elasticity (one-third higher than steel’s), make it a valuable material for thermal and structural applications.
Mirrors and camera shutters in space, military, and medical applications, as well as in the production of semiconductors, have found employment in beryllium due to its dimensional stability and high polish tolerance.
Properties of Beryllium
Physical properties
Pure beryllium is a silvery, hard, and brittle metal.
Number of Atoms: 4
9.0 is the atomic mass.
1278°C is the melting point.
2970°C is the boiling point.
1.85 specific gravity
Depending on the specific chemical, properties might vary greatly. Beryllium oxide is an excellent electrical insulator and heat conductor.
The alloy of beryllium and copper is very strong and has superior electrical and thermal conductivity. The flash points and flammability limitations of beryllium compounds are unknown, and they often don’t smell particularly well.
The white powder known as beryllium oxide has a specific gravity of 3.0 and a melting point of 2530°C.
With a melting temperature of 399°C and a boiling point of 482°C, beryllium chloride is a deliquescent powder that ranges from white to slightly yellow.
With a specific gravity of 2.0 and a melting point of 545°C, beryllium fluoride is a glassy, hygroscopic solid.
The melting temperature of beryllium nitrate is 60°C, and its crystals range from white to slightly yellow.
The melting point of beryllium sulfate is 550°C.
chemical properties
The two most significant ores that are mined in order to collect beryllium are bertrandite (CASR# 12161-82-9) and beryl (CASR# 1302-52-9). Aquamarine or emerald are the most well-known names for extremely pure gem-quality beryl.
Upon mining, the majority of beryllium ore is transformed into beryllium oxide, which is further reduced to beryllium metal or transformed into other beryllium compounds.
Beryllium and its salts have different levels of water solubility; beryllium chloride, fluoride, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate are all soluble in water.
Other substances, including beryl and beryllium oxide, are either barely soluble or insoluble. Like aluminum, beryllium metal that is exposed to air develops an oxide layer that shields it from more oxidation.
Strong acids and bases react with beryllium, and it can create shock-sensitive combinations with certain chlorinated solvents like trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride.
Uses Of Beryllium
Beryllium, a stable light metal with a high melting point, is highly valuable for structural and thermal applications due to its excellent electrical conductivity, high heat capacity, and high modulus of elasticity.
Its dimensional stability and high polish make it useful for mirrors, camera shutters, and semiconductor manufacturing. Beryllium transmits X-rays 17 times as well as aluminum, making it used in windows for X-ray tubes.
It is also used in gyros, accelerometers, computer parts, and heavy-duty brake drums. Its ability to slow down fast neutrons has been significant in nuclear reactors.
Beryllium is often used as a low-percentage component of hard alloys, particularly with copper as the main constituent, for products like springs.
Beryllium-copper (2 percent beryllium) is used in tools for use when sparking might be dangerous, such as in powder factories.
Small amounts of beryllium added to oxidizable metals generate protective surface films, reducing inflammability in magnesium and tarnishing in silver alloys.
Inertial guidance systems, rocket fuels, nuclear reactors, and space technologies all use beryllium as a structural element.
Pure beryllium metal is used in aircraft disc brakes, nuclear weapons, and automobile manufacture.
Beryllium alloys, such beryllium-copper, are used in electrical connections, precision instruments, and aircraft engine components, among other products.
Products that use beryllium oxide include glass, specialty ceramics, and electronic heat sinks.
Chemical reagents such as beryllium chloride, fluoride, and nitrate are used to refine beryllium ores.
FAQs
What are 10 uses of beryllium?
Aircraft disc brakes, nuclear weapons and reactors, instruments and structures for aircraft, satellites, and space vehicles, X-ray transmission windows, missile components, fuel containers, precision instruments, rocket propellants, navigational systems, heat shields, and mirrors are all made of pure beryllium metal.
What is beryllium in everyday use?
In the automobile sector, beryllium is also utilized in ignitions and anti-lock brake systems. Beryllium is also often used in the production of ceramics, which include semiconductor chips, crucibles, ignition modules, rocket covers, and jet engine blades.
Is beryllium used in food?
Certain foods naturally include beryllium as a chemical component. In a kilogram (kg) of fresh vegetables, the amount of beryllium in raw carrots and field corn cultivated in the United States is less than 25 micrograms (µg) (1 µg=1 millionth of a gram).
Is beryllium used in cell phones?
Beryllium-nickel alloys are excellent at creating high-temperature springs that maintain their form and are resistant to wear, whereas beryllium-copper alloys are utilized as contacts and connections, switches, relays, and shielding for devices ranging from thermostats to mobile phones.
How does beryllium help humans?
Beryllium has several applications in the electronics, aerospace, and defense sectors due to its strength and low weight. It is also utilized in the sectors of dentistry and medicine, as well as in energy applications. The United States is where beryllium is mined.