Interpretation:
The meaning of the term “critical materials” should be explained.
Concept introduction:
Any substance used in technology for which there are no easy substitutes as a result of their unique properties and that is subjected to supply risks due to environmental implications and cost are referred to as critical materials.
Explanation of Solution
Five rare earth elements, europium, dysprosium, terbium, yttrium and neodymium are considered as critical materials. Tellurium and lithium are categorized as “near critical” materials in the next 15 years.
They are characteristic due to their unique magnetic, catalytic and luminescent properties.
Most powerful permanent magnets are formed by neodymium, which is about 10 times more powerful than refrigerator magnets. Adding small amounts of dysprosium to this magnet makes it withstands high temperatures and reduced its demagnetization.
Fluorescent lights, flat screen TVs and computer screen use critical materials like europium, terbium, and yttrium which are responsible for the red, blue and green colors respectively.
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Chapter 1 Solutions
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