Electronic materials
Because hafnium emits electrons easily, it can be used as a cathode in X-ray tubes. In addition, alloys of hafnium and tungsten or molybdenum are used as electrodes for high voltage discharge tubes. In 2012, a team of researchers led by Andrew Flovett of the University of Cambridge, UK, developed a new type of hafnium oxide with a higher dielectric constant, which could be used to make the next generation of smaller electronic devices, photovoltaic manufacturing equipment and more efficient photovoltaic cells.
Atomic energy industry
Hafnium applied to reactor metal hafnium has excellent welding performance, processing performance, high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, so it has become an important material in atomic energy industry. Since hafnium has a large thermal neutron capture cross section, it is an ideal neutron absorber and can be used as control rod and protection device in atomic reactor.
The chemical industry
Hafnium can be used as getter in many aeration systems. The hafnium getter removes unwanted gases such as oxygen and nitrogen that are present in the system. In addition, hafnium has a strong anti-volatility, commonly used as an additive to hydraulic oil, to prevent volatile hydraulic oil in high-risk operations.
Alloy material
Hafnium has the properties of ductility, oxidation resistance and high temperature resistance. It is also a good alloy material and is used in a variety of alloys. For example, the hafniobium alloy containing 10% hafnium can be used as the nozzle of lunar rocket, while the tantalum tungsten alloy containing 2% hafnium can be used as the protective layer material of spacecraft because of its high creep strength.
