* Neutron moderator or reflector in nuclear reactors

* X-ray windows

* Nuclear weapons components

Other Beryllium Materials Include Soluble Salts, Alloys, and Oxide

Soluble salts, such as beryllium fluoride, chloride, and sulfate, are used in nuclear reactors, in glass manufacture, and as catalysts for certain chemical reactions.

Beryllium-copper (BeCu) alloys usually contain about 2 percent beryllium, but vary greatly in composition to meet different industrial and consumer needs. Beryllium contributes hardness, strength, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion, wear, and fatigue. For example, BeCu springs “bounce back” to their original shape again and again.

Be alloys are used for:

* Springs, switches, relays, and connectors in automobiles, computers, radar and telecommunications equipment, and other instruments

* High-strength nonsparking tools including some tools sold for use in the home

* Molds or casts to make metal, glass, and plastic items

* Sports equipment such as golf clubs and bicycle frames

* Dental bridges and related applications

Beryllium is also added to aluminum, nickel, zinc, and zirconium for some applications. Beryllium-nickel alloys are used in automobile air bags. A relatively new beryllium-aluminum alloy (the registered trademark is “Beralcast”) is being used in fighter planes, helicopters, and missile systems.

Beryllium Oxide (BeO) Is Used To Make Ceramics for Electronics, Electrical, and Other Equipment

BeO contributes hardness, strength, excellent heat conductivity, and good electrical insulation. In closely packed circuitry (like that in the electronic ignition systems of automobiles), beryllium ceramic layers can draw heat away from other circuit components. Because BeO is transparent to microwaves, it has also been used in microwave ovens.