|
Beryllium metal, alloys, and compounds are widely used at LLNL and other Department of Energy (DOE) facilities because of the materials' nuclear properties as a moderator (i.e., reflector) of neutrons. Favorable mechanical properties have also resulted in beryllium's widespread use in the aerospace industry. Addition of 2% or less beryllium to copper forms an alloy with high strength and hardness--properties that have made the alloy useful in electronics, automotive, defense, and aerospace industries worldwide. Beryllium oxide (also known as beryllia) can be formed into beryllia ceramics, which have an exceptional combination of high thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and dielectric properties and which are used widely in electronics, laser, automotive, and defense applications.
|