About This Product
Neodymium(III) oxide (Nd2O3, CAS 1313-97-9, molecular weight 336.48) is the oxide that is reduced to neodymium metal. It is graded by purity, from 2N5 at 99.5% Nd2O3/REO to 4N5 at 99.995%, and each grade caps the other rare-earth oxides, with the widest allowance for praseodymium oxide, as well as iron, silica, alumina, chloride and sulphate. Loss on ignition is 1% maximum in every grade. Its main outlet is neodymium metal for NdFeB permanent magnets. Added to optical glass it increases density, refractive index and hardness, and it colours glass and ceramic materials; it is also used to dope yttrium aluminium garnet for Nd:YAG lasers and as an additive in rubber products. The powder is described as white to pale purple. Kept tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark store, the oxide keeps for 24 months. Particle size is not specified and is confirmed on enquiry. In the three lower grades some rare-earth impurities are reported only as a total, so ask how the limits apply to the grade you order.