ThO2
semiconductorThorium dioxide (ThO2) is a ceramic oxide compound classified as a wide-bandgap semiconductor material, notable for its high refractory nature and strong ionic bonding. Industrial applications span nuclear fuel elements (THOREX fuel cycles), high-temperature refractories for furnace linings and crucibles, and specialized optical coatings where its transparency in the infrared range is valued. Engineers select ThO2 over alternatives primarily for extreme-temperature stability, resistance to thermal shock, and its historical role in nuclear fuel development; however, its radioactive thorium content requires specialized handling and regulatory compliance, making it suitable only for applications where its unique thermal and chemical properties justify the associated constraints.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bulk Modulus(K) | 28,238.8 | ksi | — | ||
Poisson's Ratio(ν) | 0.3000 | - | — | ||
Shear Modulus(G) | 13,740.9 | ksi | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thermal Conductivity(k) | 5.200 range 1.156–8.089median of 4 measurements | BTU/(hr·ft·°F) | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Density(ρ) | 0.3567 | lb/in³ | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Band Gap(Eg)2 entries | 3.500 | eV | — | ||
| ↳ | 4.823 | eV | — | ||
Dielectric Constant (Relative Permittivity)(εr) | 20.31 | - | — | ||
Magnetic Moment(μB) | 0.000 | µB | — | ||
Piezoelectric Modulus(eij) | 0.000 | C/m² | — | ||
Seebeck Coefficient(S) | -463.7 | µV/K | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energy Above Hull(ΔEhull) | 0.000 | eV/atom | — | ||
Formation Energy(ΔHf)2 entries | -4.238 | eV/atom | — | ||
| ↳ | -4.176 | eV/atom | — |