Scandium Metal
21Sc, element 21, MeSH ID: D012538, Scandium
- CAS
- 7440-20-2
- EC
- 231-129-2
- Sectors
- Mining & Metals, Electronics & Solar PV, Aerospace & Defense
Scandium Metal (Sc; MW 44.96 g/mol) is a silver-gray rare earth element supplied as distilled dendritic pieces, ingots, lumps, sputtering targets, and granules. It reacts slowly with water and ignites as fine powder. Commercially available purities range from 99 % to 99.995 % on a Sc/TREM basis, with electronic-grade material typically specified at ≥ 99.99 % Sc/TREM.
Its primary industrial function is as an alloying addition to aluminium and magnesium systems, where trace quantities produce significant grain-refinement and strength improvements. Sputtering-target forms are used in thin-film deposition for piezoelectric device fabrication, while high-purity ingot and dendritic grades serve as feedstock for scandium compound synthesis and advanced research applications.
Scandium Metal
Applications
- Mining & Metals: Direct addition of scandium metal to aluminium melts for the production of Al-Sc master alloys, delivering grain refinement and elevated strength in aerospace and structural components.
- Aerospace & Defense: Alloying element in Al-Sc and Mg-Sc systems where low density combined with improved weldability and fatigue resistance are required.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Al-Sc co-sputtering targets (2–4 inch) used in RF filter and MEMS fabrication via AlScN piezoelectric thin-film deposition.
- Electronics & Solar PV: High-purity ingot and dendritic feedstock for the synthesis of scandium iodide (ScI₃) and other scandium precursor compounds.
- Mining & Metals: Research-grade granules and foil supplied in argon- or vacuum-sealed packaging for Ti-Sc alloy development and laboratory-scale metallurgical studies.
Safety & Risks
GHS classification: Danger — H228 (Flammable Solid). Powder form presents a fire and dust-explosion hazard; keep away from ignition sources. Use flame-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and dust respirator. Store in sealed containers under inert atmosphere.
Packaging
Ingot, lump, and dendritic pieces in 1 g–1 kg lots, vacuum- or argon-sealed; sputtering targets individually packaged. Small high-purity lots available.