See safety data and research below. American Elements specializes in producing high purity Samarium Zirconium Sputtering Targets with the highest possible density and smallest possible average grain sizes for use in semiconductor, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) display and optical applications. Our standard Sputtering Targets for thin film are available monoblock or bonded with dimensions and configurations up to 820 mm with hole drill locations and threading, beveling, grooves and backing designed to work with both older sputtering devises as well as the latest process equipment, such as large area coating for solar energy or fuel cells and flip-chip applications. Research sized targets are also produced as well as custom sizes and alloys. All targets are analyzed using best demonstrated techniques including X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). "Sputtering" allows for thin film deposition of an ultra high purity sputtering metallic or oxide material onto another solid substrate by the controlled removal and conversion of the target material into a directed gaseous/plasma phase through ionic bombardment. We can also provide targets outside this range in addition to just about any size rectangular, annular, or oval target. Materials are produced using crystallization, solid state and other ultra high purification processes such as sublimation. American Elements specializes in producing custom compositions for commercial and research applications and for new proprietary technologies. American Elements also casts any of the rare earth metals and most other advanced materials into rod, bar or plate form, as well as other machined shapes and through other processes such as nanoparticles (See also application discussion at Nanotechnology Information and at Quantum Dots) and in the form of solutions and organometallics. We also produce Samarium as rods, powder and plates. Other shapes are available by request.
Samarium is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Samarium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 24, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe]4f6 6s2. In its elemental form samarium's CAS number is 7440-19-9. The samarium atom has a radius of 180.4.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is unknown. Samarium is somewhat toxic. Samarium is primarily utilized in the production of samarium-cobalt (Sm2Co17) permanent magnets. Samarium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. It is also used in laser applications and for its dielectric properties. Samarium-cobalt magnets replaced the more expensive platinum-cobalt magnets in the early 1970s. While now overshadowed by the less expensive neodymium-iron-boron magnet, they are still valued for their ability to function at high temperatures. They are utilized in lightweight electronic equipment where size or space is a limiting factor and where functionality at high temperature is a concern. Applications include electronic watches, aeospace equipment, microwave technology and servomotors. Because of its weak spectral absorption band samarium is used in the filter glass on Nd:YAG solid state lasers to surround the laser rod to improve efficiency by absorbing stray emissions. Samarium was first discovered by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1879. Samarium is named after the mineral samarskite. See Samarium research below.
Zirconium is a Block D, Group 4, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Zirconium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 10, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d2 5s2. In its elemental form zirconium's CAS number is 7440-67-7. The zirconium atom has a radius of 159.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Zirconium is non-toxic. Zirconium’s principal mineral is zircon (Zirconium Silicate) and is primarily used in its oxide or zirconia form. Zirconium dioxide has a high melting point (2,700° C) and a low thermal conductivity. Its polymorphism, however, restricts its widespread use in ceramic industry. During a heating process, zirconia will undergo a phase transformation process. The change in volume associated with this transformation makes the usage of pure zirconia in many applications impossible. Addition of some oxides, such as CaO, MgO, and Y2O3, into the zirconia structure in a certain degree results in a solid solution, which is a cubic form and has no phase transformation during heating and cooling. This solid solution material is termed as stabilized zirconia, a valuable refractory. Stabilized zirconia is used as a grinding media and engineering ceramics due to its increased hardness and high thermal shock resistivity. Stabilized zirconia is also used in applications such as oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells due to its high oxygen ion conductivity.Zirconium was first discovered by William Gregor in 1791. The name Zirconium originated from the Persian word 'zargun' meaning gold color or gold-like. See Zirconium research below. Addition of some oxides, such as CaO, MgO, and Y2O3, into the zirconia structure in a certain degree results in a solid solution, which is a cubic form and has no phase transformation during heating and cooling. This solid solution material is termed as stabilized zirconia, a valuable refractory. Stabilized zirconia is used as a grinding media and engineering ceramics due to its increased hardness and high thermal shock resistivity. Stabilized zirconia is also used in applications such as oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells due to its high oxygen ion conductivity.
PACKAGING SPECIFICATIONS FOR BULK & RESEARCH QUANTITIES
Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Shipping documentation includes a Certificate of Analysis and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 440 gallon liquid totes.
Selective separation of samarium(III) by synergistic extraction with ß-diketone and methylphenylphenanthroline carboxamide.
Hasegawa Y, Tamaki S, Yajima H, Hashimoto B, Yaita T.
Talanta. 2011 Sep 15;85(3):1543-8. Epub 2011 Jun 21.
PMID:
21807220
[PubMed - in process]
Integral Stereocontrolled Synthesis of a Spiro-norlignan, Sequosempervirin A: Revision of Absolute Configuration.
Ito Y, Takahashi K, Nagase H, Honda T.
Org Lett. 2011 Aug 1. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID:
21805972
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Interactions between metal ions and carbohydrates. Syntheses and spectroscopic studies of several lanthanide nitrate-d-galactitol complexes.
Yu L, Hua X, Pan Q, Yang L, Xu Y, Zhao G, Wang H, Wang H, Wu J, Liu K, Chen J.
Carbohydr Res. 2011 Jun 30. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID:
21784418
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Chemical synthesis and evaluation of 17a-alkylated derivatives of estradiol as inhibitors of steroid sulfatase.
Fournier D, Poirier D.
Eur J Med Chem. 2011 Jun 28. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID:
21782294
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Concise Syntheses of Strychnine and Englerin A: the Power of Reductive Cyclizations Triggered by Samarium Iodide.
Szostak M, Procter DJ.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2011 Jul 20. doi: 10.1002/anie.201103128. [Epub ahead of print] No abstract available.
PMID:
21780264
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Preparation and Quality Control of the [Sm]-Samarium Maltolate Complex as a Lanthanide Mobilization Product in Rats.
Naseri Z, Hakimi A, Jalilian AR, Nemati Kharat A, Bahrami-Samani A, Ghannadi-Maragheh M.
Sci Pharm. 2011 Jun;79(2):265-275. Epub 2011 Feb 24.
PMID:
21773065
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Synthesis and characterization of heterobimetallic oxo-bridged aluminum-rare Earth metal complexes.
Hao J, Li J, Cui C, Roesky HW.
Inorg Chem. 2011 Aug 15;50(16):7453-9. Epub 2011 Jul 15.
PMID:
21761836
[PubMed - in process]
Novel Supramolecular Assemblies Based on Coordination of Samarium Cation to Cucurbit[5]uril.
Chen K, Liang LL, Zhang YQ, Zhu QJ, Xue SF, Tao Z.
Inorg Chem. 2011 Aug 15;50(16):7754-60. Epub 2011 Jul 15.
PMID:
21761833
[PubMed - in process]
Total Synthesis of 10-Isocyano-4-cadinene and Its Stereoisomers and Evaluations of Antifouling Activities.
Nishikawa K, Nakahara H, Shirokura Y, Nogata Y, Yoshimura E, Umezawa T, Okino T, Matsuda F.
J Org Chem. 2011 Jul 26. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID:
21755975
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Tris[6-meth-oxy-2-(phenyl-iminiometh-yl)phenolato]-?O,O';?O-tris-(thio-cyanato-?N)samarium(III).
Ge GD, Shen JB, Zhao GL.
Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online. 2011 Jun 1;67(Pt 6):m706-7. Epub 2011 May 7.
PMID:
21754608
[PubMed]
{µ-6,6'-Dimeth-oxy-2,2'-[propane-1,3-diylbis(nitrilo-methanylyl-idene)]di-phenolato}dimethano-ltrinitrato-samarium(III)zinc(II) methanol disolvate.
Liu F, Zhang F.
Acta Crystallogr Sect E Struct Rep Online. 2011 May 1;67(Pt 5):m525. Epub 2011 Apr 7.
PMID:
21754267
[PubMed]
Samarium Diiodide Induced Cyclizations of ?-, d- and e-Indolyl Ketones: Reductive Coupling, Intermolecular Trapping, and Subsequent Transformations of Indolines.
Beemelmanns C, Lentz D, Reissig HU.
Chemistry. 2011 Jul 8. doi: 10.1002/chem.201100981. [Epub ahead of print]
PMID:
21744405
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
177Lu-Labeled methylene diphosphonate.
Chopra A.
Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agent Database (MICAD) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2004-2011.
2011 May 24 [updated 2011 Jun 30].
PMID:
21735586
[PubMed]
Radioisotopes for metastatic bone pain.
Roqué I Figuls M, Martinez-Zapata MJ, Scott-Brown M, Alonso-Coello P.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jul 6;(7):CD003347. Review.
PMID:
21735393
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Cubic and doubly-fused cubic samarium clusters from Sm(ii)-mediated reduction of organic azides and azobenzenes.
Pan CL, Chen W, Su S, Pan YS, Wang J.
Dalton Trans. 2011 Aug 21;40(31):7941-5. Epub 2011 Jun 30.
PMID:
21717024
[PubMed - in process]
ACR-ASTRO Practice Guideline for the Performance of Therapy With Unsealed Radiopharmaceutical Sources.
Henkin RE, Del Rowe JD, Grigsby PW, Hartford AC, Jadvar H, Macklis RM, Parker JA, Wong JY, Rosenthal SA.
Clin Nucl Med. 2011 Aug;36(8):e72-e80.
PMID:
21716005
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Synthesis and molecular structure of piperazidine-bridged bis(phenolate) samarium(ii) complex and its reactivity to carbodiimides.
Du Z, Zhang Y, Yao Y, Shen Q.
Dalton Trans. 2011 Aug 7;40(29):7639-44. Epub 2011 Jun 24.
PMID:
21701733
[PubMed - in process]
Theoretical Treatment of Redox Processes Involving Lanthanide(II) Compounds: Reactivity of Organosamarium(II) and Organothulium(II) Complexes with CO(2) and Pyridine.
Labouille S, Nief F, Maron L.
J Phys Chem A. 2011 Jul 28;115(29):8295-8301. Epub 2011 Jul 6.
PMID:
21675778
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
177Lu-Labeled ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid.
Chopra A.
Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agent Database (MICAD) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2004-2011.
2011 Apr 28 [updated 2011 May 26].
PMID:
21656987
[PubMed]
[170Tm]-Labeled ethylenediamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid.
Chopra A.
Molecular Imaging and Contrast Agent Database (MICAD) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2004-2011.
2011 Apr 27 [updated 2011 May 26].
PMID:
21656985
[PubMed]
Elution behavior of polyethylene and polypropylene standards on carbon sorbents.
Chitta R, Macko T, Brüll R, Kalies G.
J Chromatogr A. 2010 Oct 14. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 21035809 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related citations
Effect of Cyclic Impact Load on Shear Bond Strength of Zirconium Dioxide Ceramics.
Kawai N, Shinya A, Yokoyama D, Gomi H, Shinya A.
J Adhes Dent. 2010 Sep 28. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.a19471. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20978648 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related citations
Differences in metal ion release following cobalt-chromium and oxidized zirconium total knee arthroplasty.
Garrett S, Jacobs N, Yates P, Smith A, Wood D.
Acta Orthop Belg. 2010 Aug;76(4):513-20.PMID: 20973359 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related citations
DNA binding studies of new valine derived chiral complexes of tin(IV) and zirconium(IV).
Arjmand F, Jamsheera A.
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2010 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20965776 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related citations
Influence of counter-ions on the self-assembly of ZrO(2) nanodisks.
Ji H, Liu X, Wang X, Yao X.
J Colloid Interface Sci. 2011 Jan 15;353(2):356-62. Epub 2010 Oct 16.PMID: 20951993 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
The interaction of osteoblasts with bone-implant materials: 1. the effect of physico-chemical surface properties of implant materials.
Kubies D, Himmlová L, Riedel T, Tresohlavá E, Balík K, Douderová M, Bártová J, Pesáková V.
Physiol Res. 2010 Oct 15. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20945966 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Free ArticleRelated citations
Fracture resistance of endodontically-treated teeth: effect of combination bleaching and an antioxidant.
Khoroushi M, Feiz A, Khodamoradi R.
Oper Dent. 2010 Sep-Oct;35(5):530-7.PMID: 20945744 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related citations
Mechanism of catalytic cyclohydroamination by zirconium salicyloxazoline complexes.
Allan LE, Clarkson GJ, Fox DJ, Gott AL, Scott P.
J Am Chem Soc. 2010 Nov 3;132(43):15308-20.PMID: 20939579 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
Antibacterial properties of nine pure metals: a laboratory study using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Yasuyuki M, Kunihiro K, Kurissery S, Kanavillil N, Sato Y, Kikuchi Y.
Biofouling. 2010 Oct;26(7):851-8.PMID: 20938849 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
One-Pot Preparation and Uranyl Adsorption Properties of Hierarchically Porous Zirconium Titanium Oxide Beads using Phase Separation Processes to Vary Macropore Morphology.
Drisko GL, Chee Kimling M, Scales N, Ide A, Sizgek E, Caruso RA, Luca V.
Langmuir. 2010 Nov 16;26(22):17581-8. Epub 2010 Oct 11.PMID: 20936801 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
Renewable high-octane gasoline by aqueous-phase hydrodeoxygenation of C5 and C6 carbohydrates over Pt/Zirconium phosphate catalysts.
Li N, Tompsett GA, Huber GW.
ChemSusChem. 2010 Oct 25;3(10):1154-7. No abstract available. PMID: 20936668 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
Can the method of fixation influence the wear behaviour of ZrN coated unicompartmental mobile knee prostheses?
Affatato S, Spinelli M, Lopomo N, Grupp TM, Marcacci M, Toni A.
Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2010 Oct 7. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20934240 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related citations
Measurement of dissolved reactive phosphorus using the diffusive gradients in thin films technique with a high-capacity binding phase.
Ding S, Xu D, Sun Q, Yin H, Zhang C.
Environ Sci Technol. 2010 Nov 1;44(21):8169-74.PMID: 20886846 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
Raman microspectroscopy of organic inclusions in spodumenes from Nilaw (Nuristan, Afghanistan).
Weselucha-Birczynska A, Slowakiewicz M, Natkaniec-Nowak L, Proniewicz LM.
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2010 Sep 28. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20884283 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related citations
Effect of thermocycling on the bond strength between dual-cured resin cements and zirconium-oxide ceramics.
D'Amario M, Campidoglio M, Morresi AL, Luciani L, Marchetti E, Baldi M.
J Oral Sci. 2010;52(3):425-30.PMID: 20881336 [PubMed - in process]Free ArticleRelated citations
Surface damages of zirconia by Nd:YAG dental laser irradiation.
Noda M, Okuda Y, Tsuruki J, Minesaki Y, Takenouchi Y, Ban S.
Dent Mater J. 2010 Oct 14;29(5):536-41. Epub 2010 Sep 18.PMID: 20877130 [PubMed - in process]Free ArticleRelated citations
Conjunctive and compromised data fusion schemes for identification of multiple notches in an aluminium plate using Lamb wave signals.
Lu Y, Ye L, Wang D, Wang X, Su Z.
IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2010 Sep;57(9):2005-16.PMID: 20875990 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
A new smile for Judy: a multimaterial approach.
Nash RW.
Dent Today. 2010 Aug;29(8):92, 94. No abstract available. PMID: 20873651 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Related citations
Matched-pair total knee arthroplasty retrieval analysis: Oxidized zirconium vs. CoCrMo.
Heyse TJ, Chen DX, Kelly N, Boettner F, Wright TM, Haas SB.
Knee. 2010 Sep 22. [Epub ahead of print]PMID: 20869251 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]Related citations
Surface modification of chromatography adsorbents by low temperature low pressure plasma.
Arpanaei A, Winther-Jensen B, Theodosiou E, Kingshott P, Hobley TJ, Thomas OR.
J Chromatogr A. 2010 Oct 29;1217(44):6905-16. Epub 2010 Sep 23.PMID: 20869062 [PubMed - in process]Related citations
Material Safety Data Sheet
1 Identification of substance
Product details
Trade name Samarium metal
2 Composition/Data on components:
Chemical characterization: Designation: (CAS#)
Samarium (CAS# 7440-19-9), 100%
Identification number(s):
EINECS Number: 231-128-7
3 Hazards identification
Hazard designation: F Highly flammable
Information pertaining to particular dangers for man and environment
R 11 Highly flammable.
R 15 Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
4 First aid measures
After inhalation
Supply fresh air. If required, provide artificial respiration. Keep patient warm. Consult doctor if symptoms persist.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After skin contact
Instantly wash with water and soap and rinse thoroughly.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After eye contact
Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. Then consult doctor.
After swallowing Seek immediate medical advice.
5 Fire fighting measures
Suitable extinguishing agents
Special powder for metal fires. Do not use water.
For safety reasons unsuitable extinguishing agents
Water.
Halocarbon extinguisher
Protective equipment:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Wear full protective suit.
Measures for environmental protection:
Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits.
Measures for cleaning/collecting:
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Do not flush with water or aqueous cleansing agents
Keep away from ignition sources.
Additional information:
See Section 7 for information on safe handling
See section 8 for information on personal protection equipment.
See Section 13 for information on disposal.
7 Handling and storage
Handling
Information for safe handling:
Keep containers tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
Ensure good ventilation/exhaustion at the workplace.
Information about protection against explosions and fires:
Keep ignition sources away - Do not smoke.
Protect against electrostatic charges.
Fumes can combine with air to form an explosive mixture.
Storage
Requirements to be met by storerooms and containers:
Store in cool location.
Information about storage in one common storage facility:
Do not store together with oxidizing and acidic materials.
Store away from water.
Store away from halogens.
Further information about storage conditions:
Store under dry inert gas.
Protect from humidity and keep away from water.
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers.
8 Exposure controls and personal protection
Additional information about design of technical systems:
Properly operating chemical fume hood designed for hazardous chemicals and having an average face velocity of at least 100 feet per minute.
Components with critical values that require monitoring at the workplace:
Not required.
Additional information: No data
Personal protective equipment
General protective and hygienic measures
The usual precautionary measures should be adhered to in handling the chemicals.
Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and food.
Instantly remove any soiled and impregnated garments.
Wash hands during breaks and at the end of the work.
Breathing equipment: Use breathing protection with high concentrations.
Protection of hands: Impervious gloves
Eye protection:
Safety glasses
Full face protection
Face protection
Body protection: Protective work clothing.
9 Physical and chemical properties:
General Information
Form: Chunks
Colour: Silver grey
Smell: Not determined
Value/Range Unit Method
Change in condition
Melting point/Melting range: 1072 ° C
Boiling point/Boiling range: 1900 ° C
Sublimation temperature / start: Not determined
Flash point: Not applicable
Inflammability (solid, gaseous) Highly flammable.
Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
Ignition temperature: Not determined
Decomposition temperature: Not determined
Critical values for explosion:
Lower: Not determined
Upper: Not determined
Steam pressure: Not determined
Density at 20 ° C 7.54 g/cm³
Solubility in / Miscibility with
Water: Not determined
10 Stability and reactivity
Thermal decomposition / conditions to be avoided:
No decomposition if used and stored according to specifications.
Materials to be avoided:
Oxidizing agents
Water/moisture
Acids
Halogens
Air
Dangerous reactions: Contact with water releases flammable gases
Dangerous products of decomposition: Hydrogen
11 Toxicological information
Acute toxicity:
Primary irritant effect:
on the skin: Irritant for skin and mucous membranes.
on the eye: Irritant effect.
Sensitization: No sensitizing effect known.
Additional toxicological information:
To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.
No classification data on carcinogenic properties of this material is available from the EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH.
12 Ecological information:
General notes:
Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits.
Water hazard class 1 (Self-assessment): slightly hazardous for water.
Do not allow undiluted product or large quantities of it to reach ground water, water bodies or sewage system.
13 Disposal considerations
Product:
Recommendation
Consult state, local or national regulations for proper disposal.
Hand over to disposers of hazardous waste.
Must be specially treated under adherence to official regulations.
Uncleaned packagings:
Recommendation:
Disposal must be made according to official regulations.
14 Transport information
Land transport ADR/RID and GGVS/GGVE (cross-border/domestic)
ADR/RID-GGVS/E Class: 4.1 (F3) Flammable solids.
Kemler Number: 40
UN-Number: 3178
Packaging group: III
Label 4.1
Designation of goods: 3178 FLAMMABLE SOLID, INORGANIC, N.O.S.
(samarium)
Code letter and hazard designation of product: F Highly flammable
Risk phrases:
11 Highly flammable.
15 Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
National regulations
Information about limitation of use:
For use only by technically qualified individuals.
Employment restrictions concerning young persons must be observed.
Water hazard class:
Water hazard class 1 (Self-assessment): slightly hazardous for water.
16 Other information:
Employers should use this information only as a supplement to other information gathered by them, and should make independent judgement of suitability of this information to ensure proper use and protect the health and safety of employees. This information is furnished without warranty, and any use of the product not in conformance with this Material Safety Data Sheet, or in combination with any other product or process, is the responsibility of the user.
Proud sponsors of Aeromat 2012. Please join us and our customers & co-sponsors Boeing and ATI on
June 18-20, 2012
in Charlotte, North Carolina
and smallest possible average grain sizes for use in semiconductor, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) display and optical applications. Our standard Sputtering Targets for thin film are available monoblock or bonded with dimensions and configurations up to 820 mm with hole drill locations and threading, beveling, grooves and backing designed to work with both older sputtering devises as well as the latest process equipment, such as large area coating for solar energy or fuel cells and flip-chip applications. Research sized targets are also produced as well as custom sizes and alloys. All targets are analyzed using best demonstrated techniques including X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). "Sputtering" allows for thin film deposition of an ultra high purity sputtering metallic or oxide material onto another solid substrate by the controlled removal and conversion of the target material into a directed gaseous/plasma phase through ionic bombardment. We can also provide targets outside this range in addition to just about any size rectangular, annular, or oval target. Materials are produced using crystallization, solid state and other ultra high purification processes such as sublimation. American Elements specializes in producing custom compositions for commercial and research applications and for new proprietary technologies. American Elements also casts any of the rare earth metals and most other advanced materials into rod, bar or plate form, as well as other machined shapes and through other processes such as nanoparticles (See also application discussion at Nanotechnology Information and at Quantum Dots) and in the form of solutions and organometallics. We also produce Samarium as rods, powder and plates. Other shapes are available by request.
Samarium is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Samarium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 24, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe]4f6 6s2. In its elemental form samarium's CAS number is 7440-19-9. The samarium atom has a radius of 180.4.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is unknown. Samarium is somewhat toxic. Samarium is primarily utilized in the production of samarium-cobalt (Sm2Co17) permanent magnets. Samarium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds
as 
submicron and nanopowder. It is also used in laser applications and for its dielectric properties. Samarium-cobalt magnets replaced the more expensive platinum-cobalt magnets in the early 1970s. While now overshadowed by the less expensive neodymium-iron-boron magnet, they are still valued for their ability to function at high temperatures. They are utilized in lightweight electronic equipment where size or space is a limiting factor and where functionality at high temperature is a concern. Applications include electronic watches, aeospace equipment, microwave technology and servomotors. Because of its weak spectral absorption band samarium is used in the filter glass on Nd:YAG solid state lasers to surround the laser rod to improve efficiency by absorbing stray emissions. Samarium was first discovered by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1879. Samarium is named after the mineral samarskite. See Samarium research below.
Zirconium is a Block D, Group 4, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Zirconium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 10, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d2 5s2. In its elemental form zirconium's CAS number is 7440-67-7. The zirconium atom has a radius of 159.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Zirconium is non-toxic. Zirconium’s principal mineral is zircon (Zirconium Silicate) and is primarily used in its oxide or zirconia form. Zirconium dioxide has a high melting point (2,700° C) and a low thermal conductivity. Its polymorphism, however, restricts its widespread use in ceramic industry. During a heating process, zirconia will undergo a phase transformation process. The change
in volume associated with this transformation makes the usage of pure zirconia in many applications impossible. Addition of some oxides, such as CaO, MgO, and Y2O3, into the zirconia structure in a 
certain degree results in a solid solution, which is a cubic form and has no phase transformation during heating and cooling. This solid solution material is termed as stabilized zirconia, a valuable refractory. Stabilized zirconia is used as a grinding media and engineering ceramics due to its increased hardness and high thermal shock resistivity. Stabilized zirconia is also used in applications such as oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells due to its high oxygen ion conductivity.Zirconium was first discovered by William Gregor in 1791. The name Zirconium originated from the Persian word 'zargun' meaning gold color or gold-like. See Zirconium research below. Addition of some oxides, such as CaO, MgO, and Y2O3, into the zirconia structure in a certain degree results in a solid solution, which is a cubic form and has no phase transformation during heating and cooling. This solid solution material is termed as stabilized zirconia, a valuable refractory. Stabilized zirconia is used as a grinding media and engineering ceramics due to its increased hardness and high thermal shock resistivity. Stabilized zirconia is also used in applications such as oxygen sensors and solid oxide fuel cells due to its high oxygen ion conductivity.
