Samarium (Sm): Critical Component for High-Performance SmCo Permanent Magnets, Optical Laser Materials

Samarium is a moderately hard, silver-white metal that oxidizes easily in air. It has a density of 7.35 g/cm³ (tetragonal crystal structure), with a melting point of 1,072°C and boiling point of 1,803°C. The metal remains relatively stable in dry air but forms an oxide film in humid environments. When handled and stored according to specifications, it does not decompose. Contact with acids, oxidizing agents and moisture should be avoided. Samarium dissolves in acids but not in water, and readily combines with non-metallic elements. The metal in fine powder form can ignite spontaneously.

Applications

Samarium metal is primarily used in samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets.

Product Series

Health and Safety Information

Packaging Specifications

• Standard packaging: 50 kg/drum, 500 kg/pallet, ton bags
• Sample packaging: 500 g/bag, 1 kg/bottle

Production of Samarium
After separating samarium from other rare earth elements through ion exchange or solvent extraction techniques, the metal can be prepared via metallothermic reduction. The lithium thermal reduction method for rare earth chlorides differs from calcium thermal reduction, as the former's reduction process occurs in the vapor phase. The lithium thermal reduction reactor consists of two heating zones, with both reduction and distillation processes taking place in the same equipment. Anhydrous samarium chloride (SmCl₃) is placed in the upper titanium reactor crucible (which also serves as the SmCl₃ distillation chamber), while the reducing agent, lithium metal, is placed in the lower crucible. The stainless steel reaction vessel is then evacuated to 7 Pa before heating begins. When the temperature reaches 1,000°C, it is maintained for a period to allow thorough reaction between SmCl₃ vapor and lithium vapor. The reduced samarium metal particles settle in the lower crucible. After completion of the reduction reaction, only the lower crucible is heated to distill LiCl into the upper crucible. The entire reduction process typically takes about 10 hours. To obtain higher purity samarium metal, the lithium reducing agent must be 99.97% pure high-grade lithium, and doubly distilled anhydrous SmCl₃ must be used.