Cadmium

MATERIAL OVERVIEW

Cadmium was discovered by German chemist Friedrich Stromeyer in 1817. Stromeyer noticed while studying cadmia (zinc carbonate), that when heated, some samples exhibited a yellow color, while other samples did not. Stromeyer suspected that some unknown impurity was causing the discoloration. After further experimental investigation he was able to isolate the impurity; realizing that he had discovered a new element he named it cadmium.

In its pure form, cadmium is a silvery white, malleable metal. It is a relatively rare metal, ranking 64th in abundance among the elements in the Earth’s crust. Cadmium occurs primarily in zinc ores, and is recovered as a byproduct in the zinc refinement process.

Cadmium has a low melting temperature and tarnishes in moist air; it is ductile and very malleable. Cadmium has a very high neutron absorbing cross-section and as a result is used for neutron shielding in the nuclear industry.

Hazard: Cadmium is toxic, especially by inhalation of dust or fume. OSHA, NTP and IARC have determined cadmium to be a known carcinogen. Exposure limits: 0.005 mg/m3.

At ESPI Metals we manufacture cadmium metal into a variety of forms. For nuclear shielding applications we roll cadmium sheet to widths of up to 24” and lengths of 10 feet or more. Cadmium sheet thicknesses range from as thin as 0.001”(0.025mm) to 1”(25.4mm). Depending on the size requirement we either draw or extrude cadmium wire and rod in diameters from 0.010”(0.25mm) to 1”(25.4mm). We also have cadmium available in ingot, shot and pieces.

When purchasing Cadmium from ESPI you can rest assured that your Cadmium order will be produced in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. ESPI's environmental policy pertaining to Cadmium requires that all of our Cadmium waste be contained and recycled and that no Cadmium be released to the environment.

In addition to the standard products listed in our online catalog, custom shapes and sizes are available upon request. If you have a custom requirement email us at sales@espimetals.com or use our custom quote request tool to tell us exactly what you require.