Samarium oxide

Samarium oxide (CAS 12060-58-1), also designated samarium(III) oxide or samaria, is an inorganic rare earth compound with the formula Sm₂O₃. It presents as a white to pale-yellow powder with a melting point of approximately 2,345 °C and a density of 8.35 g/cm³.

Where is Samarium oxide used?

• Electronics and solar PV: precursor for samarium–cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnets with high coercivity and thermal stability in motors, sensors and satellite components
• Ceramic capacitor dielectrics: controlled rare earth doping modifies dielectric constant and loss at elevated frequencies
• Aerospace and defence: SmCo magnet manufacture where performance is retained at temperatures that degrade NdFeB systems
• Reactor control materials: neutron absorber exploiting the high neutron-capture cross-section of samarium
• Home care and industrial cleaning: catalyst in ethanol dehydration to ethylene as a bio-based feedstock for surfactant and solvent synthesis
• Optical glass: infrared-absorbing additive for heat-filtering optics, protective eyewear lenses and precision instruments requiring near-IR attenuation without significant visible-light loss
• Its surface acid–base character and thermal stability make it a durable catalyst component under continuous process conditions.

Good to know: Classified under the Warning signal word; handle with standard rare earth oxide protocols including respiratory protection and dust-control measures.

Commercial specifications

• Grades from 99 % to 99.99 % purity on a total rare earth oxides basis (Sm₂O₃/TREO ≥ 99 % to ≥ 99.99 %, TREO ≥ 99 %)
• Typical lot characterisation: loss on ignition (LOI) and trace rare earth impurity profiling
• Pack sizes: 1–5 kg for R&D; standard commercial lots in 25 kg drums; bulk up to 25 kg and beyond subject to project specification
• Full analytical documentation aligned to the declared purity grade