Cerium is a ductile, soft and malleable metal. It is an iron-grey metal and it is also harder than lead. As a metal it is actually very reactive since it tarnishes promptly when it comes in contact with air. The oxidization process of this metal becomes slow when it comes in contact with cold water and the same process becomes rapid when it comes in contact with hot water.
When it comes to cerium it has a number of different uses other than being used as a main element for cerium oxide polishing powder. The metal is quite useful when it is used as a core in arc lamps for carbon electrodes. It is also used in the incandescent mantles for the purpose of gas lighting. The metal is used in iron alloys and aluminium. Cerium is also quite useful when it comes to making permanent magnets.
The use of cerium oxide polishing powder is seen extensively in the glass polishing industry. Cerium oxide forms a main component in the catalytic converters which is used in cleaning up of the exhaust vehicles.
Other Uses Of Cerium Oxide Polishing Powder
Cerium is also used in the reduction of nitrogen oxides to form nitrogen gas. All the cars now-a-days are equipped with the with the catalytic convertor consisting of metal or ceramic substrate which is basically a coating of cerium oxide along with aluminium and lastly another layer of a finely dispersed metal which can either be rhodium or platinum. The substance known as cerium sulphide will act as a substitute for cadmium in the red pigments of the toys, containers, crates. Cerium is also extensively used in the energy light bulbs, flat screen televisions etc.
Cerium Oxide In Environment
The petrol producing industries mainly dump cerium in many different places. The substance is a main part of many of the household items and it becomes a part of the environment when many of the electronic items are discarded away. Due to the increasing accumulation of the cerium it can lead to a great concentration in soil particles, animals, humans et cetera.
Many of the animals that live underwater get affected by this chemical which causes degradation in their cell membrane. Since its increasing use in the catalytic convertors cerium is leading to an improvement in the atmosphere where diesel engines are operated.
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