Gadolinium Rods: The Critical Rare Earth Metal for High-Tech and Nuclear Applications

Gadolinium (Gd) is a silvery-white, ductile rare earth metal with exceptional magnetic and neutron absorption properties. In rod form, gadolinium rods are used in a variety of industries, including nuclear energy, magnetic materials, medical imaging, and material science research.

🔍 What is a Gadolinium Rod?

A gadolinium rod is a solid cylindrical piece of high-purity Gd metal, typically machined to precise dimensions for specific industrial or research uses. It can be delivered in a polished, vacuum-packaged form to preserve surface quality and minimize oxidation.

🧪 Key Properties of Gadolinium:

• Atomic Number: 64

• Atomic Weight: 157.25

• Melting Point: 1,312°C

• Density: 7.90 g/cm³

• Magnetic Behavior: Strongly paramagnetic above room temperature

• Neutron Capture Cross Section: ~49,000 barns (one of the highest among elements)

🛠️ Common Applications:

1. Nuclear Reactors
   Gadolinium’s ability to absorb neutrons makes it an ideal burnable poison in control rods and shielding components of nuclear reactors.

2. Magnetic Refrigeration
   Gadolinium’s large magnetocaloric effect near room temperature allows it to be used in next-generation solid-state cooling systems.

3. MRI Contrast Agents
   Gadolinium compounds enhance image contrast in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While metallic Gd is not used directly in medical applications, its availability in pure form is vital for compound synthesis.

4. Magneto-Optical and Spintronic Materials
   Used in data storage and quantum computing research for its magnetic and electronic behavior.

5. Alloying Element
   Gadolinium is added to magnesium and iron-chromium alloys to improve workability and corrosion resistance.

🧭 Why Choose High-Purity Gadolinium Rods?

• Consistency: Uniform density and minimal impurities ensure predictable results.

• Custom Machining: Available in various lengths and diameters to meet experimental or industrial requirements.

• Packaging: Inert gas or vacuum packaging protects the rods from oxidation during storage and transport.

🏭 Our Capabilities:

As a professional rare earth material supplier, we offer:

• Gadolinium rods with ≥99.5% to 99.99% purity

• Custom lengths and diameters

• Small MOQ for research and bulk supply for industrial applications

• COA upon request

Conclusion
Gadolinium rods play a strategic role in cutting-edge applications where magnetic control or neutron absorption is essential. Whether you're developing safer nuclear technologies or designing the next breakthrough in magnetocaloric systems, high-purity gadolinium is an indispensable resource.

If you have a demand for rare earth targets or want to know more about Liuyang Xinkang, please feel free to contact us. You can get in touch with us in the following ways:

Tel: +86 15575172860

Email: [email protected]

Website: xk-ree.com

Liuyang Xinkang looks forward to working with you to jointly promote the innovation and development of rare earth target technology and contribute to the progress of high-tech industries.