ASTM B776 Hafnium and Hafnium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
- Type: Strip, Sheet, Plate
- Strip: Width≤150mm x Thickness 0.13-4.8mm x Coil
- Sheet: Width 150-1500mm x Thickness 0.13-4.8mm x Length 3000-18000mm
- Plate: Width 150 -3700mm x Thickness 4.8-250mm x Length 3000-18000mm
- Hot-Rolled, Cold-Rolled
Features
ASTM B776 Hafnium and Hafnium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
Chemical Composition (wt.%)
| Element | Grade R1 (Nuclear Grade) | Grade R3 (Commercial Grade) |
| Aluminum | 0.01% | 0.05% |
| Carbon | 0.02% | 0.03% |
| Chromium | 0.01% | 0.05% |
| Copper | 0.01% | – |
| Hydrogen | 0.00% | 0.01% |
| Iron | 0.05% | 0.08% |
| Molybdenum | 0.00% | – |
| Nickel | 0.01% | – |
| Niobium | 0.01% | – |
| Nitrogen | 0.01% | 0.02% |
| Oxygen | 0.04% | 0.13% |
| Silicon | 0.01% | 0.05% |
| Tantalum | 0.02% | – |
| Tin | 0.01% | – |
| Titanium | 0.01% | 0.05% |
| Tungsten | 0.02% | 0.02% |
| Uranium | 0.00% | – |
| Vanadium | 0.01% | – |
| Zirconium | Reportable | Reportable |
| Hafnium | Balance | Balance |
Mechanical Properties (Grade R1)
| Sample Direction | Condition | Test Temperature | Tensile Strength (min) | Yield Strength (min) | Elongation (min) |
| Longitudinal | Annealed | Room Temperature | 58 ksi (400 MPa) | 22 ksi (151 MPa) | 20% |
| Longitudinal | Annealed | 600°F (315°C) | 25 ksi (172 MPa) | 11 ksi (76 MPa) | 25% |
| Transverse | Annealed | Room Temperature | 45 ksi (310 MPa) | 25 ksi (172 MPa) | 20% |
| Transverse | Annealed | 600°F (315°C) | 23 ksi (158 MPa) | 14 ksi (96 MPa) | 30% |
Note: Mechanical properties for Grade R3 are specified according to the purchase order and therefore not listed here.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Standard | ASTM B776 Hafnium and Hafnium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate |
| Grade | R1, R3 |
| Finish | Clean, smooth surface finish |
| Type | Strip, Sheet, Plate |
| Size | Strip: Width≤150mm x Thickness 0.13-4.8mm x Coil Sheet: Width 150-1500mm x Thickness 0.13-4.8mm x Length 3000-18000mm Plate: Width 150 -3700mm x Thickness 4.8-250mm x Length 3000-18000mm |
| Manufacturing process | Hot-Rolled & Annealed, Cold-Rolled & Annealed |
| Inspection Certificate | EN 10204 Type 3.1 (Mill Test Certificate), EN 10204 Type 3.2 (Witness Testing or 3rd Party Inspection) |
| Test | Chemical Analysis, Tensile Test, Hardness Test, Nondestructive Testing (NDT) |
Packing
Packed in plywood boxes.
Applications
Grade R1 (Nuclear Grade)
Nuclear Reactor Components: Due to hafnium’s excellent neutron-absorption capabilities, it is used in nuclear reactors as control rods and other critical components that regulate the nuclear reaction.
Neutron Absorbers: In nuclear technology, hafnium plates, sheets, and strips are used to absorb neutrons without swelling or contracting under prolonged neutron bombardment, which is crucial for maintaining stability in reactor cores.
Safety Devices in Nuclear Facilities: Hafnium’s ability to absorb neutrons also makes it suitable for use in safety mechanisms within nuclear facilities to prevent accidental reactions.
Grade R3 (Commercial Grade)
Aerospace Industry: Hafnium and its alloys are used in the aerospace industry for their high-temperature strength and resistance to corrosion. Components such as jet engine nozzles or space vehicle structural parts may use hafnium materials.
High-temperature Alloys: Adding hafnium to alloys enhances their high-temperature capabilities, making them suitable for use in gas turbines and other high-temperature environments.
Chemical Process Industry: Hafnium’s resistance to corrosion by most acids makes it useful in chemical processing equipment such as reactors and heat exchangers.
Applications of Both Grades
Plasma Cutting Equipment: Hafnium is used in plasma torches due to its ability to handle high temperatures, improving the efficiency and precision of cutting processes.
Electronic Components: Due to its thermal and electrical properties, hafnium is used in the electronics industry for heat sinks and as a getter material to improve vacuum within tubes.
Corrosion-resistant Equipment: Its resistance to alkaline solutions and concentrated acids (except hydrofluoric acid) makes it useful in equipment that must withstand harsh chemical environments.
