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There are two main Yttrium Fluoride types—synthetic and natural—based mainly on the source from which the compound is derived. The characteristics of each type may vary, depending on the purity and the structural form of the compound.
Here are the most common types:
Yttrium Fluoride (YF3)
Yttrium fluoride is a white, crystalline solid and an inorganic compound made of yttrium and fluoride. It occurs as YF3, trigonal, and hexagonal systems, with YF3 the most common form of inclusionary Yttrium fluoride. Mostly, the fluoride is used in optical applications, catalysts, and laser technology.
Yttrium(III) fluoride (Yttrium tri fluoride)
Yttrium(III) fluoride is another name for yttrium(officialy, YF3), a chemical compound consisting of three fluoride ions for each yttrium ion.
Yttrium monofluoride (YF)
It is a binary yttrium and fluoride compound and a lesser-known fluoride of yttrium. It is formed by Yttrium and a single Fluoride ion, which is also rare in nature.
Natural Yttrium Fluoride
Can be extracted from minerals such as bastnasite and monazite. Though present in small quantities, this source often contains impurities like other rare-earth elements. It has a lower degree of purity compared to synthetic YF3.
Yttrium Fluoride Nanoparticles
Fluoride nanoparticles are developed for specialized applications in nanotechnology. They have a large surface area and are often employed in research related to drug delivery and catalysis.
Yttrium fluoride has a wide range of applications in many industries, from optics and electronics to pharmaceuticals and environmental science. Here are some of them:
Laser Technology
This is among the prime applications of Yttrium Fluoride. It is used in lasers because it can be doped with other rare earth ions like neodymium or ytterbium to produce solid-state lasers. These lasers are widely used in industrial cutting and welding. Also, they are used for precision measurement and medical applications like surgery and ophthalmology.
Optics and Coatings
Due to its low refractive index and high resistance to radiation damage, Yttrium Fluoride is used to make anti-reflective and anti-fog coatings for optical devices such as microscopes, telescopes, and camera lenses. In the defense and aerospace sectors, YF3 is used in the manufacturing of optical windows and coatings for missiles and other military optics to increase durability and performance.
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Yttrium Fluoride is labelled on drugs as a biomarker in medical imaging, particularly in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans to diagnose diseases like cancer and heart disease. It can be used in drug delivery systems for targeted therapy, especially in treating cancer.
Semiconductors and Electronics
YTtrium fluoride is integrated into semiconductor manufacturing though in small applications. Due to its high thermal stability and low electrical conductivity, it is used in the fabrication of electronic components, such as capacitors and insulators. In the display industry, it is used in phosphors for fluorescent and LED screens, particularly in tubes for color screens in older CRT monitors and televisions.
Nuclear Technology
YF3 has a capability of absorbing radiation, hence its use in nuclear reactors and radiation shielding materials to protect components and personnel from harmful radiation in nuclear power plants.
Yttrium Fluoride is a white crystalline solid, highly soluble in acids, and insoluble in water and alcohol. It has a high melting point and is a rare-earth metal fluoride chemical compound with the formula YF3. The following are its key features:
GHS Hazards
It is a skin and eye irritant with moderate acute toxicity. May cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation. It is a potentially carcinogenic substance that may cause cancer through long-term exposure.
Chemical Composition
Yttrium Fluoride consists of one Yttrium(Y) element and three Fluorine (F) elements, which translates to the chemical formula YF3. It has an ionic structure, where Y+3 is the positive ion and F-1 is the negative ion.
Dangerous Candidate
Yttrium (III) fluoride is classified as a dangerous candidate under EU regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 Annex VI Table 3 or 16. Section 3.2 (a) flammable solids.
Storage Conditions
Prevent moisture and water contact. Keep in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, away from incompatible substances like alkali metals and magnesium. Its ideal storage container is a tightly-sealed glass or plastic container.
Separation Directive
Keep away from strong acids like sulfuric or hydrochloric acid, alkali metals, and magnesium.
Packaging
Yttrium Fluoride is usually packed and distributed in 25kg plastic woven bags and packaged on pallets. It is also contained in 200L drums.
Industrial Applications
Used in laser materials, corrosion-resistant coatings, nuclear medicine, and as an additive in glass and ceramics.
When selecting Yttrium Fluoride, buyers in bulk should consider the following factors:
Purity& Quality
Frequently, the factor determining the quality of Yttrium Fluoride is its purity. The impurities affect its longtime performance—opticals coatings, nuclear medical imaging, and semiconductor applications. When buying Yttrium Fluoride, ensure that the retailer supplies you with the highest level of purity as possible, at least 99.9% or greater. The other parameter to check is whether the product meets the relevant industry standards.
Property Characteristics
Look into key Yttrium fluoride properties that affect the performance in different applications-Eg, refractive index, thermal stability, and radiation resistance for nuclear applications. Ensure the specifications align with the intended applications.
Availability
Consider the product's supply availability, especially when purchasing in bulk. Yttrium Fluoride is often sourced from hard-to-find natural minerals. Nevertheless, it is still possible to obtain it from reliable suppliers and manufacturers across the globe, and it is fairly stocked.
Material Safety
Yttrium Fluoride contains high toxicity fluoride ions, electromagnetic radiation, and rare earth elements (REEs), which require special consideration for handling, transport, and disposal. When sourcing it, ensure the retailer has planned safety measures to mitigate occupational exposure.
Cost
ATE, Yttrium Fluoride is moderately priced. But the factors that determine its cost include purity, form, and the manufacturer from whom it's being sourced, among others. Balance the buying cost versus the long-term benefits to find a deal.
Manufacturer's Reputation
When purchasing, consider the manufacturer's reputation from whom you're obtaining the product. Review their reputation and customer feedback to ensure they are reliable and supply high-quality products.
Here are the answers to some people’s questions about Yttrium Fluoride:
Some of its many uses include; laser materials, optical coatings, and pharmaceutical imaging agents. Other uses include nuclear medicine, corrosion-resistant coatings, and glass and ceramic additives.
Although Yttrium itself has a low biological absorption rate that makes it non-toxic. Yttrium Fluoride may pose health hazards through inhalation, ingestion, or destructive skin absorption.
It has excellent thermal stability, low refractive index, and high radiation. It is also highly resistant to electromagnetic radiation and has excellent chemical stability, making it an ideal candidate for many applications.
It is eye and skin irritating and has moderate acute toxicity. The fluoride compounds should be handled with care during industrial processing, manufacture, or usage because they can be dangerous.
