Samarium Oxide
Disamarium trioxide, disamariumtrioxide, samaria, Samaria
- CAS
- 12060-58-1
- EC
- 235-043-6
- Sectors
- Electronics & Solar PV, Aerospace & Defense, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning
Samarium Oxide (Sm₂O₃; MW 348.72 g/mol) is a light beige crystalline powder belonging to the rare earth oxides group, with a density of 8.35 g/cm³, a melting point of 2335 °C, and negligible water solubility. It is commercially available in Technical and Electronic Grades at purities of 99–99.99 % on a Sm₂O₃/TREO basis, with TREO ≥ 99 %.
The compound's principal industrial function is as a samarium source for high-performance permanent magnet alloys and advanced ceramic components. Its high neutron-absorption cross-section and selective infrared absorption make it a functional additive in specialty glass and nuclear-related applications.
Samarium Oxide
Applications
- Electronics & Solar PV: Primary precursor for samarium–cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnet production, where precise Sm₂O₃/TREO purity directly governs magnet coercivity and thermal stability.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Incorporated into multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) formulations as a dielectric modifier to stabilise capacitance over a wide temperature range.
- Aerospace & Defense: Used as a neutron-absorbing dopant in control rod materials and shielding components, leveraging samarium's high thermal neutron capture cross-section.
- Aerospace & Defense: Added to specialty IR-absorbing glass and optical filter coatings for sensor and targeting system windows requiring selective near-infrared attenuation.
- Home Care & Industrial Cleaning: Applied as a catalyst or catalyst promoter in ethanol dehydration and related oxidation processes within industrial chemical manufacturing.
Safety & Risks
Classified Warning (GHS); H400/H410 — very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Prevent release to drains or water bodies. Use dust respirator, safety glasses, and gloves during handling. Store dry, away from water sources.
Packaging
25 kg fiber drums or multi-wall bags; 500–1,000 kg big bags for bulk oxide grades; 1–5 kg sealed containers for high-purity Electronic Grade lots. Store in a cool, dry environment.