Ittria, also known as yttria, is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It belongs to the group of rare earth elements and is classified as a transition metal. Ittria was first discovered in 1794 by Johan Gadolin, a Finnish chemist, while he was studying a new mineral called ytterbite.
In its pure form, ittria is a silver-gray metal that is relatively soft and malleable. It is highly resistant to corrosion and retains its shine well, making it useful in various applications. Ittria is commonly used as an alloying agent in the production of various steels and nickel-based alloys. These alloys often exhibit excellent mechanical and thermal properties, making them well-suited for use in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Ittria also possesses unique optical properties. It is used as the primary component of yttrium oxide compounds, which have high refractive indices and are used as phosphors in television screens and other display technologies. Additionally, ittria-based ceramics are used as solid electrolytes in fuel cells, enhancing their performance by providing excellent ionic conductivity.
Ittria compounds have also found applications in the medical field. For instance, yttrium-90, a radioactive isotope of ittria, is used in cancer treatments, particularly for targeting tumors.
Overall, ittria is a versatile element that has widespread use in various fields, including metallurgy, electronics, and medicine. Its unique properties make it a valuable and sought-after element for many scientific and industrial applications.
