Chromium

Chromium

Chromium (Cr) is a lustrous, hard, and corrosion-resistant transition metal known for its striking silvery appearance and high melting point. It is most famously used for chrome plating and in the production of stainless steel. Chromium forms a passive oxide layer, enhancing its resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Its compounds also exhibit vivid colors, making it useful in pigments and coatings.

Goodfellow supplies high-purity chromium (Cr) for advanced applications in research and industry. Chromium is widely used in the production of stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys, playing a crucial role in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. In the field of decorative coatings, chromium plating provides a durable, attractive finish for various consumer and industrial products. Chromium compounds find applications in pigments, offering vibrant colors for paints and inks. In advanced technologies, chromium is essential in the development of high-temperature superalloys used in jet engines and gas turbines. These alloys benefit from chromium's ability to form a protective oxide layer, enhancing their resistance to oxidation and corrosion at elevated temperatures. Goodfellow's chromium products support ongoing research in materials science, particularly in the areas of wear-resistant coatings and advanced alloy development. Despite environmental concerns related to some chromium compounds, the metal's unique properties ensure its continued significance in both cutting-edge research and critical industrial processes, especially in applications requiring high durability and heat resistance.



General Properties

PropertyValue
Atomic Number24
Density7.19 g/cm³
Melting Point1907 °C
Boiling Point2671 °C
Thermal Conductivity93.9 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity125 nΩ·m
Crystal StructureBody-centered cubic (bcc)

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
HardnessMohs 8.5
Elastic Modulus279 GPa
Poisson’s Ratio0.21

Chemical Properties

PropertyValue
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent due to passive oxide layer
ReactivityResists tarnish, reacts with strong oxidizers
Oxidation States+2, +3, +6
Surface OxideChromium(III) oxide (Cr₂O₃)
IdentifierValue
SymbolCr
Atomic Number24
CAS Number7440-47-3
UN NumberUN3089 (powder)
EINECS Number231-157-5
IsotopeTypeNotes
Cr-50Stable4.345% natural abundance
Cr-52Stable83.789% natural abundance
Cr-53Stable9.501% natural abundance
Cr-54Stable2.365% natural abundance

Scientific Applications

Use CaseDescription
Thin-Film TechnologyUsed in evaporation sources and electronic coatings
CatalysisChromium oxides act as catalysts in organic reactions
Nuclear MaterialsUsed in cladding materials for nuclear reactors
Magnetics ResearchApplied in spintronic materials and magnetoresistive devices
OpticsChromium-doped lasers (Cr:YAG)

Industrial Applications

Use CaseDescription
Stainless SteelKey alloying element for corrosion resistance
Hard Chrome PlatingEnhances wear and corrosion resistance
PigmentsUsed in green and red pigments (e.g., chrome green)
Foundry AdditivesUsed in refractory molds and high-temp linings
Glass ManufacturingChromium compounds used in colored glass production
GradePurityMain Use
Standard Industrial Grade99%General metallurgical applications and stainless steel production
High-Purity Grade99.7%Used in high-performance alloys and surface coatings
Research Grade99.9%Thin-film research and catalysis studies
Ultra High Purity99.95%Semiconductor and vacuum applications
Electronic Grade99.99%Used in sputtering targets and microelectronics manufacturing
Synonym
Cr
Elemental Chromium
Chromium Metal
Chrome Metal
Chrome
Cromo