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MetalsTek Engineering has over a decade of experience providing high-quality Iridium Crucibles at competitive prices. Our adept team excels in customizing this product to meet your specific requirements, ensuring a tailored solution that perfectly aligns with your needs.
Material: Iridium CAS# 7439-88-5
Purity: Ir>99.9%
Shapes: Cylindrical or Conical, Welded or Seamless
Size: Customized Sizes and Wall Thicknesses
Other: Refining and Supply New Crucibles with Short Lead Times
Iridium crucibles are specialized vessels for high-temperature applications, particularly metallurgy, single crystal growth, materials science, and semiconductor manufacturing. They are made from iridium, a rare and precious metal known for its exceptional properties. Iridium is the second-densest naturally occurring element, with a 22.56 g/cm³ density. It is extremely hard, brittle, and corrosion-resistant and has remarkable thermal and chemical stability, even at very high temperatures, up to 2,000°C.
Iridium crucibles are typically used for melting and holding materials at elevated temperatures in environments where other materials may degrade or react unfavorably. Due to their superior properties, iridium crucibles are ideal for handling reactive metals, alloys, and compounds that require precise control over temperature and purity during processing. Typical applications of iridium crucibles in research and development settings include crystal growth, thermal evaporation, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and high-temperature experimentation.
| Rh | 42 | Au | 3 | Zr | 2 |
| Pd | 22 | Cr | 3 | B | <2 |
| Zn | 21 | Ni | 3 | Cd | <2 |
| Pt | 18 | Os | 3 | Mn | <2 |
| Ru | 15 | Sn | 3 | As | <2 |
| Sb | 11 | Cu | 3 | Co | <2 |
| Al | 7 | Pb | 3 | Mo | <2 |
| Ca | 6 | Mg | 2 | Te | <2 |
| Se | 5 | Bi | 2 | ||
| Si | 4 | Ag | 2 |
Electrical Properties
Electrical resistivity ( µOhmcm ): 5.1@20°C
Superconductivity critical temperature ( K ): 0.1100
Temperature coefficient ( K⁻¹ ): 0.00450 @0-100°C
Thermal emf against Pt (cold 0C – hot 100C) ( mV ): 0.65
Thermal Properties
Coefficient of thermal expansion ( x10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ ): 6.800 @0-100°C
Latent heat of evaporation ( J g⁻¹ ): 3186
Latent heat of fusion ( J g⁻¹ ): 135.00
Specific heat ( J K⁻¹ kg⁻¹ ): 133.0 @25°C
Thermal conductivity ( W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ ): 147.00 @0-100°C
Mechanical Properties
Bulk modulus ( GPa ) ( Hard / Soft ): 371.0
Hardness – Vickers ( KGF mm⁻² ) ( Hard ): 650
Hardness – Vickers ( KGF mm⁻² ) ( Soft ): 200 – 300
Material condition: Hard / Soft
Poisson’s ratio ( Hard / Soft ): 0.260
Tensile modulus ( GPa ) ( Hard / Soft ): 528.00
Tensile strength ( MPa ) ( Hard ): 1200.00
Tensile strength ( MPa ) ( Soft ): 550.00 – 1100.00
Iridium Crucibles are crucial in various high-temperature processes, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, materials science, and research. Some critical applications of Iridium Crucibles include:
Our Iridium Crucibles are clearly labeled externally to ensure efficient identification and quality control. To prevent any damage during storage or transportation, we take great care.
Iridium is a rare and precious metal that possesses several unique properties. It is the second densest naturally occurring element, with a density of 22.56 g/cm³. Iridium is known for its exceptional hardness, brittleness, and resistance to corrosion. It also exhibits remarkable thermal stability, even at extremely high temperatures of up to 2,000°C. Iridium is primarily used in the form of alloys, particularly with platinum, to take advantage of its hardness and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for various high-temperature applications. This article will explore the important role that iridium crucibles play in processes such as single crystal growth and other demanding applications.
Iridium crucibles are indispensable tools for a wide range of high-temperature industrial and research applications, particularly those involving the growth of high-purity crystals and advanced materials processing.
Single Crystal Growth:
We can only use pure materials like platinum, iridium, gold, and rhenium to grow single crystals from oxide melts. The crucible shape is usually cylindrical. The choice of material depends on the melting temperature, atmosphere, and melt constituents. Iridium crucibles are used for growing crystals of high melting oxides (e.g., sapphire, spinel) for laser technology and the optical industry at temperatures up to about 2300°C. Precious metals are only used in the Czochralski and Bridgman-Stockbarger processes and the crystallization from hydrothermal solutions. Gold and platinum are suitable for oxidizing atmospheres, while iridium should only be used under inert conditions because iridium oxides evaporate and can cause significant weight loss. Under reducing conditions, harmful melt constituents can damage the iridium crucible.
Iridium crucibles are used to grow a variety of high-purity single crystals, including:
High-Purity Metal Melting: Iridium crucibles are perfect for melting precious metals like platinum, ensuring purity and minimal contamination.
Semiconductor Manufacturing:
Iridium crucibles are used to contain and control the high-temperature environments required for growing semiconductor crystals and thin films.
Specialty Glass Production: Their resistance to corrosion and high temperatures makes them suitable for producing various types of specialty glass.
Scientific Research: These crucibles are used in material science and chemistry for high-temperature experiments.
LED Materials Manufacturing: Iridium crucibles help synthesize LED materials, maintaining purity and thermal stability.
Iridium crucibles play an indispensable role in the crystal growth process. These specialized containers are essential for managing the critical thermal environment required to form high-quality crystals.
Thermal Environment Control
The iridium crucible contains the molten material from which the crystal is grown. It maintains precise control over the temperature and temperature gradients within the melt. This carefully regulated thermal environment is crucial for preserving the purity and structural integrity of the developing crystal.
Melt Containment
The iridium crucible physically holds and confines the molten material. This allows the seed crystal, positioned either at the bottom or suspended within the melt, to grow into a larger, high-quality crystal. The crucible’s corrosion-resistant properties ensure the melt remains free of contamination during the lengthy growth process.
Crystal Purity and Integrity
Iridium’s exceptional heat tolerance and chemical inertness make it an ideal material for crystal growth crucibles. It can withstand the extremely high temperatures necessary without reacting with or contaminating the molten source material. This preserves the purity and structural perfection of the resulting crystal.
Czochralski Process: This technique involves dipping a seed crystal into molten material within the crucible and slowly lifting it out, allowing a single crystal to form upon the seed.
Bridgman-Stockbarger Technique: Here, the crucible passes through a temperature gradient to allow controlled crystal growth from the melt.
Other Techniques: The floating zone technique and others also benefit from iridium’s high-temperature capabilities.
When choosing an iridium crucible for crystal growth applications, there are several important factors to consider.
First, the size and shape of the crucible should be chosen based on the specific crystal growth technique and the amount of material being processed. The crucible should be large enough to hold the melt, but not so large that it affects temperature control and uniformity. Common shapes for crucibles include flat-bottomed and arc-bottomed designs, each with their own advantages for different growth methods.
Another factor to consider is customization options. Iridium crucibles can be custom-made to fit the exact requirements of a particular crystal growth system. This allows for optimization of factors such as crucible dimensions, wall thickness, and other design elements to improve the efficiency and performance of the growth process.
Cost is also an important consideration. Iridium is a rare and valuable metal with pretty high price, so iridium crucibles have a high initial cost. However, their exceptional durability and ability to maintain precise temperature control can lead to significant long-term savings by improving crystal quality and growth yields. The market price of iridium itself is also a key factor in determining the cost of crucibles.
The production of high-quality iridium crucibles involves sourcing pure raw materials, advanced melting and purification techniques, precision fabrication, and rigorous quality control – all of which are critical to enabling the crucibles’ use in demanding crystal growth applications.
Raw Material Sourcing and Purification
Melting and Ingot Formation
Crucible Fabrication
Quality Control
Iridium Crucible Maintenance
Cleaning and Storage
At MetalsTek, we take great pride in providing top-notch iridium crucibles that meet the demanding requirements of today’s industries. Our dedication to quality, coupled with our capability to tailor targets to precise sizes and compositions, positions us as the go-to choice for businesses looking to push boundaries and achieve greatness.
What is an iridium crucible? An iridium crucible is a high-performance container made from iridium metal, used for high-temperature applications, especially in crystal growth, semiconductor manufacturing, and material synthesis. Its high melting point and chemical resistance make it ideal for handling extreme conditions without contamination.
Why is iridium used for making crucibles? Iridium is highly valued for its high melting point (2,446°C), thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and inert nature, making it ideal for applications that involve high temperatures and aggressive chemicals.
What are the common applications of iridium crucibles? Iridium crucibles are mainly used in single crystal growth (such as sapphire and YAG crystals), semiconductor wafer production, LED manufacturing, scientific research, and metal melting.
Can iridium crucibles withstand aggressive chemicals? Yes, iridium is highly resistant to most acids, alkalis, and molten materials, which makes it suitable for processes involving harsh chemicals.
How do iridium crucibles contribute to crystal growth? Iridium crucibles are essential in the Czochralski (CZ) method and Bridgman-Stockbarger technique for single crystal growth. Their thermal resistance and chemical inertness ensure the purity and integrity of the growing crystals, such as sapphire and lithium tantalate.
What is the melting point of iridium? Iridium has an exceptionally high melting point of 2,446°C (4,435°F), which allows it to handle extreme temperatures without losing its shape or integrity.
What are the different types of iridium crucibles available? Iridium crucibles are available in different shapes, including flat-bottomed and arc-bottomed designs, each suited for specific crystal growth techniques.
Can iridium crucibles be customized? Yes, iridium crucibles can be custom-designed to meet specific requirements such as size, shape, wall thickness, and purity level. Custom crucibles optimize the crystal growth process for specialized applications.
What is the role of iridium crucibles in semiconductor manufacturing? Iridium crucibles are used to produce semiconductor wafers and thin films, crucial for electronic devices. They maintain high purity and stability in the growth of semiconductor materials.
Are iridium crucibles suitable for use in LED material manufacturing? Yes, iridium crucibles are widely used to grow crystals like sapphire, which are essential for LED substrates and related optoelectronic devices due to their ability to control the temperature and purity during the crystal growth process.
What makes iridium crucibles ideal for high-purity metal melting? Iridium crucibles are perfect for melting precious metals like platinum due to their resistance to high temperatures and low contamination, ensuring the purity of the molten material.
How long do iridium crucibles last? The lifespan of an iridium crucible depends on the specific application, but their high durability and resistance to wear and thermal shock mean they can last for many years if maintained properly.
Are there any limitations when using iridium crucibles? Iridium crucibles should ideally be used under inert conditions to prevent the formation of iridium oxides, which can cause weight loss and damage the crucible. They may not be suitable for oxidizing atmospheres unless specifically designed for that purpose.
What factors should be considered when choosing an iridium crucible? Key factors include the size and shape of the crucible, the temperature range, the crystal growth method being used, and whether the crucible needs to be customized to fit specific requirements.
What is the cost of iridium crucibles? Iridium is a rare and valuable metal, so iridium crucibles tend to be more expensive than those made from other materials. However, their durability, purity, and precision in high-temperature applications often make them cost-effective in the long term.
How are iridium crucibles made? The production of iridium crucibles involves purification of raw iridium, melting and forming ingots, and precision machining to create the final crucible shapes. High-temperature processes like plasma melting are used due to iridium’s high melting point.
Can iridium crucibles be used in research labs? Yes, iridium crucibles are frequently used in high-temperature experiments in material science and chemistry, especially when researching new materials or performing experiments under extreme conditions.
How does an iridium crucible impact crystal quality? The use of an iridium crucible ensures that the purity and structural integrity of the crystal are maintained throughout the growth process. This is due to iridium’s resistance to chemical reactions and its ability to create a controlled, stable thermal environment.
Are iridium crucibles safe to handle? Iridium crucibles are relatively safe to handle, but they should be treated with care due to their high weight and the potential for physical damage. Proper handling and storage are crucial to maintaining their integrity.
Where can I buy high-quality iridium crucibles? High-quality iridium crucibles can be purchased from specialized suppliers such as MetalsTek, which provide a wide range of crucibles tailored to specific applications.