1、 Core components of nuclear industry

1. Nuclear reactor control rod

Hafnium has a large thermal neutron capture cross-section and stable performance after irradiation, making it an ideal material for control rods in marine nuclear reactors and research reactors, used for precise adjustment of nuclear fission rates.

Hafnium wire is used to manufacture connecting pins for control rods, or as mother wire for iodine purification processes, and as binding wire for melting electrodes.

2. Nuclear fuel element cladding

Adding hafnium to zirconium alloy can enhance the corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength of nuclear fuel cladding, ensuring safe operation of the reactor.

2、 High end manufacturing and special equipment

1. Plasma cutting electrode

Hafnium wire is the core electrode material of air plasma cutting machines, with high cutting accuracy, small heat affected zone, and surface quality close to laser cutting level, accounting for the second largest application area of hafnium.

2. High temperature alloy additive

Adding hafnium to nickel/niobium based high-temperature alloys can significantly improve the high temperature resistance and creep resistance of turbine blades and aerospace nozzles.

3. Special functional materials

Electronic devices: Used as sputtering targets for X-ray tube cathode materials and semiconductor memory.

Medical implants: Titanium hafnium alloy is used for artificial joints and skull fixation, combining biocompatibility and high strength.

In the military industry, hafnium alloy is used for rocket propulsion nozzles and thermal protection layers for re-entry vehicles.