A tungsten crucible is a container used for high-temperature applications, typically made from high-purity tungsten. Due to tungsten’s extremely high melting point (approximately 3,422°C or 6,172°F), it remains stable under extreme heat, making it widely used for melting and handling other metals, alloys, and ceramic materials that require very high temperatures.
Characteristics:
- High Melting Point: Tungsten has a very high melting point, allowing it to withstand extreme heat environments.
- Corrosion Resistance: Tungsten crucibles exhibit good corrosion resistance in most chemical environments.
- Strength: Tungsten maintains high mechanical strength even at elevated temperatures.
- Low Reactivity: Compared to many other materials, tungsten has weak reactions with most chemicals, helping to preserve the purity of samples.
Applications:
- Metallurgy: Used for melting precious metals like gold and silver, as well as refractory metals.
- Laboratory Research: Employed as containers in chemical analysis and materials science research.
- Semiconductor Industry: Used in the production of single-crystal silicon and other semiconductor materials.
- Glass Manufacturing: Used for preparing special types of glass and ceramic materials.
Usage Considerations:
- While tungsten crucibles are heat-resistant, they can react with oxygen in the air under certain conditions, so protective atmospheres should be considered during use.
- Careful cleaning before and after use is essential to avoid contaminating samples.
- Due to tungsten’s brittleness, handle the crucible carefully to avoid impact or rapid temperature changes.
