What are beryllium oxide (BeO) ceramics?

Beryllium oxide, commonly referred to as BeO, is a highly specialized ceramic material known for its excellent thermal conductivity, high electrical resistivity, and outstanding mechanical strength. Beryllium oxide has the chemical formula BeO, which is also often denoted as beryllium oxide chemical formula, beryllium oxide chemical formula, or beryllium oxide chemical formula. As a high-performance ceramic, BeO stands out among advanced materials for its unique electrical insulation and thermal conductivity comparable to metals such as aluminum. This dual property makes beryllium oxide an irreplaceable material for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation and electrical isolation.

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Beryllium oxide ceramics-Advanced ceramic materials-Zihao Ceramics

Advantages of beryllium oxide

BeO beryllium oxide ceramics have a range of properties that make them highly sought after in advanced technologies.

BeO is the pinnacle of BeO. With a thermal conductivity of 330 W/(m-K), close to that of aluminum (~250 W/(m-K)) and 6-10 times higher than that of alumina (Al₂O₃), high-purity grades of BeO are the material of choice for fast heat dissipation, especially in high-power semiconductor lasers, RF transistors, and critical components in aerospace and defense systems.

BeO maintains high resistivity (>10¹⁴ Ω-cm) even at high temperatures, preventing current leakage and ensuring signal integrity in high-voltage and high-frequency equipment.

BeO exhibits excellent stability in inert gas or vacuum environments up to 1800°C, and in oxidizing gas environments up to about 1650°C before significant volatilization occurs. Its melting point is up to 2575°C.

BeO components have good mechanical strength and very high Young's modulus, maintaining dimensional stability under significant thermal and mechanical loads.

BeO has a very low dielectric constant (ε ≈ 6.7) and loss angular tangent (tan δ ≈ 0.0003), making it ideally suited for high-frequency microwave and radio-frequency transmission applications (e.g., radar, satellite communications) where signal attenuation must be minimized.

BeO has a low neutron absorption cross section and a high neutron scattering cross section, making it an effective neutron reducer and reflector in nuclear fission reactors and research applications.

Industry Applications

Beryllium oxide ceramics, because of its extremely high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation properties, is widely used in high-power electronics and radio frequency devices, heat dissipation substrates, semiconductor packaging and microwave devices, electrical insulation structure, as well as lasers, vacuum tubes and nuclear energy technology in the high-temperature insulators and heat-resistant components, but also used to manufacture high-purity crucibles, thermal conductive components and special sensors, in the need for efficient heat dissipation and insulation of the key occasions They play an irreplaceable role in critical applications where efficient heat dissipation and insulation are required.

Available grades of beryllium oxide materials

Goodwill Ceramics offers a wide range of beryllium oxide product grades and specifications to meet application needs:

B-97 grade beryllium oxide ceramics

B-97 grade beryllium oxide ceramics are high-performance technical ceramics composed primarily of high-purity BeO (typically about 97%). It combines high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation with excellent mechanical strength and high temperature stability. As such, it plays a vital role in high-end applications such as electronics, microwave and nuclear energy.

Main Performance Characteristics

  • High Thermal Conductivity: Thermal conductivity up to about 200 W/m-K, much higher than alumina and aluminum nitride ceramics, second only to diamond, suitable for power device packages that require efficient heat dissipation.
  • Excellent electrical insulation: low dielectric constant (approx. 6.5-7.0), resulting in low dielectric loss and excellent performance in high frequency and microwave applications.
  • Thermal stability: maintains stable chemical and physical properties at high temperatures. Its coefficient of thermal expansion is close to that of silicon, which facilitates integration into electronic device packages.
  • Mechanical properties: high hardness, high strength, excellent wear resistance. Excellent vacuum sealing properties, can be brazed or bonded to reactive metals.

typical application

  • Electronic Packaging Substrate: Used for heat dissipation and insulation of high power transistors, power modules (IGBT, MOSFET) and other devices.
  • Microwave equipment: antenna windows, microwave tube insulation, radar and satellite communication components.
  • Laser technology: lining materials for laser pump cavities.
  • Nuclear energy and aerospace: reactor structural components, heat dissipation and insulation of aerospace electronics.

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BeO dust is harmful to human beings, and dust emission must be strictly controlled during processing and safety protection measures must be implemented.

Finished ceramics are safe and stable under normal operating conditions.

B-99 grade beryllium oxide ceramics

B-99 grade beryllium oxide ceramic is a high purity (BeO content ≥99%) advanced ceramic material. Compared with B-97 grade, it has higher chemical purity and excellent physical properties, and is especially suitable for applications requiring extremely high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. Its performance is at the high end of beryllium oxide ceramics.

Main Performance Characteristics

  • Ultra-high thermal conductivity: Thermal conductivity up to 250 W/m-K or more (close to the thermal conductivity of beryllium oxide single crystal), significantly better than the B-97 grade and other insulating ceramic materials, is the ideal material for power electronic devices, heat sinking substrates, high power lasers.
  • Excellent electrical properties: low dielectric constant (about 6.5-7.0) and low dielectric loss. Excellent performance in microwave, high-frequency communication and RF equipment.
  • Thermal and mechanical stability: Its coefficient of thermal expansion is similar to that of silicon, which facilitates reliable packaging of electronic components. It maintains stable performance under high temperature, vacuum and irradiation environments.
  • High purity advantage: Low impurity content reduces the negative effects of impurities on dielectric and thermal properties. This is particularly important in high reliability applications such as nuclear and aerospace.

typical application

  • Substrates for high power electronics: IGBT, MOSFET, power module packages.
  • RF and microwave components: communication antennas, radar equipment and satellite communication components.
  • Laser technology: high-power laser cavities and pumping components.
  • Nuclear and aerospace engineering: reactor structures and space electronics heat sink substrates.
  • Military and high-reliability equipment: circuits and heat sinks that need to operate stably in extreme environments.

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As with B-97, strict precautions must be taken during processing to avoid inhalation of BeO dust.

Finished ceramics are stable and safe during packaging, assembly and use.

B-99.5 grade beryllium oxide ceramics

B-99.5 grade beryllium oxide ceramic is an ultra-high purity (BeO ≥ 99.5%) specialty ceramic material, one of the highest purity beryllium oxide ceramic grades. Compared to B-97 and B-99, it has excellent thermal conductivity, electrical properties and chemical stability, making it particularly suitable for advanced technologies with stringent requirements for thermal management and electrical performance.

Main Performance Characteristics

  • Extremely high thermal conductivity: Thermal conductivity up to 270W/m-K or more, close to the thermal conductivity of natural beryllium oxide single crystal, which is the highest grade of thermal conductivity among insulating ceramics at present.
  • Excellent electrical insulation: stable dielectric constant (6.5-7.0) and very low dielectric loss. Performs best in RF, microwave and high frequency (HF) applications.
  • Excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties: the coefficient of thermal expansion is very close to that of silicon, reducing thermal stress problems. Remains physically and chemically stable at high temperatures, high pressures and intense radiation.
  • Ultra High Purity Advantage: Extremely low impurity content virtually eliminates negative effects on dielectric properties, thermal conductivity and reliability. Especially suited for high-end applications requiring extremely consistent performance and long-term stability.

typical application

  • High-end power electronics substrates: for ultra-high power IGBTs, power semiconductor modules, radar transmitter modules, etc.
  • RF and microwave equipment: satellite communications, high-frequency antennas, microwave tube windows, etc.
  • High power laser systems: for heat dissipation and insulation of pump cavities and optics.
  • Nuclear energy and aerospace technology: insulated components for nuclear reactors, electronic equipment for space exploration.
  • Advanced military and scientific research: highly reliable circuits, quantum devices and advanced thermal management systems.

summarize

B-99.5 grade beryllium oxide ceramics represent the highest grade of beryllium oxide ceramics, combining extremely high thermal conductivity, excellent electrical insulation, and superior high-temperature and radiation stability.B-99.5 grade beryllium oxide ceramics are mainly used in aerospace and nuclear energy, high-power electronic devices, and cutting-edge scientific research, and are one of the highest-performance insulating and thermal conductive ceramics.

Beryllium oxide attenuation ceramics

Beryllium oxide attenuating ceramic is a functional ceramic developed on the basis of high purity BeO. Through doping and special processes, its electromagnetic properties are altered to provide electromagnetic wave attenuation (absorption and dissipation) capabilities while maintaining BeO's excellent thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. These ceramics integrate thermal management and electromagnetic energy control, and are key materials for microwave, RF and high-power electronic applications.

Key attributes

  • electromagnetic attenuation
  • Absorbs or attenuates electromagnetic waves in a specific frequency range, preventing reflection and interference.
  • Helps with circuit matching, energy absorption and system stability.
  • High thermal conductivity
  • Inheriting the excellent thermal properties of BeO, typically 170-230 W/m-K, far superior to alumina or aluminum nitride attenuated ceramics.
  • Provides effective heat dissipation for long-term stability of high-power equipment.
  • Excellent electrical insulation
  • Strong dielectric properties are maintained even with attenuation characteristics.
  • Suitable for high-frequency, high-pressure, high-power environments.
  • Structural and environmental stability
  • High temperature resistance and low thermal expansion.
  • Reliable in vacuum, radiation and harsh operating conditions.

typical application

  • microwave equipment
  • Microwave tube terminals, loads, isolators, circulators.
  • Radar, satellite communications and electronic warfare systems.
  • RF power element
  • Absorption/attenuation elements in high power RF equipment.
  • Protects the source from reflected signals.
  • EMC and circuit protection
  • Absorbs excess RF energy and reduces electromagnetic interference.
  • Used as a terminal load for safe circuit operation.
  • Defense and aerospace
  • Highly reliable attenuation and isolation components for microwave/RF systems.

summarize

Beryllium oxide attenuating ceramics combine high thermal conductivity, strong insulation, and electromagnetic attenuation properties, making them an integral part of microwave devices, RF power electronics, EMC systems, and aerospace/defense applications.

Main properties of beryllium oxide

The following values are typical material properties and may vary depending on product configuration and manufacturing process. Please feel free to contact us for further details.

properties B-97 B-99 B-99.5
Dielectric constant (1MHz) 6.9±0.4 6.6±0.2 6.6±0.2
Dielectric constant (~10 GHz) 6.9±0.4 6.9±0.2 6.8±0.2
Dielectric loss tanδ (1MHz) ≤4×10-⁴ ≤4×10-⁴ ≤4×10-⁴
Dielectric loss tanδ (10 GHz) ≤8×10-⁴ ≤6×10-⁴ ≤4×10-⁴
Volume resistivity (25°C) ≥ 1×10¹⁴ ≥ 1×10¹⁴ ≥ 1×10¹⁴
DC Breakdown Strength ≥15 kV/mm ≥30 kV/mm ≥40 kV/mm
bending strength ≥170 MPa ≥ 200 MPa ≥ 200 MPa
packing density ≥ 2.85 g/cm3 ≥ 2.85 g/cm3 ≥ 2.88 g/cm3
Coefficient of thermal expansion (25-500 degrees Celsius) 7.0-8.5 × 10-⁶ 7.0-8.0 × 10-⁶ 7.0-8.0 × 10-⁶
Thermal conductivity (25°C) ≥ 200 W/m-Kelvin ≥260 W/m-Kelvin ≥ 285 w/m Kelvin
Thermal conductivity (100°C) ≥160 W/m-Kelvin ≥190 W/m -- Kelvin ≥ 200 W/m-Kelvin
thermal shock resistance uncracked go through go through
Chemically stable in 1:9 HCl ≤ 0.3 mg/cm2 ≤ 0.1 mg/cm2 ≤ 0.1 mg/cm2
Chemical stability in 10% NaOH ≤ 0.2 mg/cm2 ≤ 0.1 mg/cm2 ≤ 0.1 mg/cm2
leak rate ≤1 x 10-¹⁰ Pa-m3/s ≤5 x 10-¹² Pa-m3/s ≤5 x 10-¹² Pa-m3/s
Average particle size 12-30 microns 10-20 microns 10-20 microns

Key Performance Comparisons - BeO vs. other technical ceramics

properties Beryllium oxide (BeO) Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃ 99%) Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Shapal (AlN-SiC)
Thermal conductivity (W/m-K) 230 - 260 20 - 30 170 - 180 85 - 90
Coefficient of thermal expansion (x10-⁶/K) 7.0 - 8.5 6.5 - 8.0 4.5 - 5.5 4.5 - 5.5
Dielectric Constant (1MHz) 6.7 9.8 8.6 - 9.0 7.0 - 7.5
Dielectric loss (tanδx10-⁴) 1 - 5 1 - 2 1 - 10 5 - 15
Flexural strength (MPa) 170 - 300 300 - 400 300 - 400 450 - 600
Density (g/cm3) 2.85 - 3.01 3.85 - 3.95 3.25 - 3.35 3.10 - 3.20

Beryllium oxide application cases

ToHo Ceramics' beryllium oxide (BeO) ceramics combine ultra-high thermal conductivity, excellent electrical insulation, low dielectric constants, and superior high-temperature stability, making them one of the most advanced ceramic solutions for demanding industries.BeO ceramics have a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of silicon, which makes them ideal for high-performance electronic packaging and thermal management.

The main applications of BeO ceramics:

  • Power Semiconductor Packaging Substrates
  • Insulators for microwave equipment
  • High Power Laser Components
  • Electrical isolation and heat dissipation elements
  • Nuclear and aerospace structural components
  • Radar and communication system attenuators
  • Ceramic rings, plates and tubes
  • High precision electronic package base
  • Vacuum and high-frequency electronic system parts
  • Customized complex ceramic parts
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Beryllium oxide ceramic tube
Metallized beryllium oxide substrates
Beryllium oxide substrate
Beryllium oxide ceramic crucible
Beryllium oxide ceramic tile
Beryllium oxide ceramics

Toxicity of beryllium oxide ceramics

While high purity beryllium oxide ceramics are very safe, it should not be overlooked that beryllium oxide dust is toxic to humans. This is just as plastics do not produce toxins when used, but materials made from plastics are generally toxic for the same reason. Beryllium oxide ceramics processed into solid form do not pose a particular health hazard.

Beryllium oxide processing

Beryllium oxide ceramics have very high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation, making them ideal for power electronics and high frequency devices. ZhiHao Ceramics has a full range of beryllium oxide ceramics machining capabilities to provide customers with industry-leading performance, durability, and precision.

During processing, we utilize diamond grinding and precision polishing technologies to achieve micron-level accuracy, meeting the stringent structural accuracy and surface quality requirements of high-power modules, microwave devices, and laser systems. We also support metallization, brazing and encapsulation processes, enabling customers to apply beryllium oxide ceramics to a wider range of industry sectors.

With many years of technical experience and advanced equipment, we not only provide standardized parts, but also can customize complex structural components and high reliability products for our customers.

CNC grinding and milling

CNC milling, turning and grinding to micron tolerances.

Grinding and polishing

Surface polishing results in smooth surfaces and optical grade surfaces.

Laser processing of ceramic substrates

Ceramic Laser Cutting

For laser drilling and cutting of complex geometries.

Metal and Ceramic Brazed Assemblies - 600x600

Metallization and welding

Metallization (Mo/Mn, W) for ceramic-to-metal brazing.

common problems

The molar mass of beryllium oxide is calculated as follows: beryllium (Be) = 9.012 g/mol and oxygen (O) = 16.00 g/mol. therefore, BeO = 9.012 + 16.00 = 25.012 g/mol.

Beryllium (Be) exhibits almost exclusively a +2 oxidation number in its compounds. In beryllium oxide (BeO), the oxidation state of beryllium is +2 and the oxidation state of oxygen is -2.

Although the molecular formula of beryllium oxide (BeO) implies that it is an ionic compound (Be²⁺ and O²-), the bonding is significantly covalent (estimated to be about 63%) due to the high charge density and small size of the Be²⁺ ion. This covalency gives it a high melting point and hardness. It is often described as having polar covalent bonds.

Toxic, beryllium oxide is highly toxic, especially in powdered or smoky form. Inhalation causes chronic beryllium disease (CBD), a serious and often lifelong lung disease, and beryllium sensitization. It is also a recognized human carcinogen (IARC Class 1). Dense, fully sintered ceramic parts If intact.The risk is minimal, but any processing that generates dust requires extra care and strict control of industrial hygiene.

Beryllium oxide (BeO), also known as beryllium oxide (Beryllia), is a white crystalline inorganic compound with the chemical formula BeO.It is a refractory ceramic material prized for its excellent thermal conductivity (the highest of any oxide), high electrical resistivity, high melting point, and good mechanical strength. It has important applications in electronics, nuclear energy and aerospace.

The main uses of beryllium oxide BeO include:

Heat sinks and substrates for high power electronic devices (lasers, RF transistors, modules).

The chemical formula for beryllium oxide is BeO.The chemical formula for beryllium oxide indicates that it is formed by the bonding of a beryllium atom (Be) to an oxygen atom (O).

Beryllium oxide is amphoteric. This means that it reacts with both strong acids and strong bases:
* Reacts with acids: BeO + 2H⁺ → Be²⁺ + H₂O;
* Reacts with bases: (BeO + 2OH- + H₂O → [Be(OH)₄]²-tetrahydroxyberyllium acid radical ion).

Solid sintered beryllium oxide ceramics have very low solubility in water and react very slowly, if at all. However, freshly prepared very fine beryllium oxide powder can react slowly with water to form beryllium hydroxide: BeO + H₂O → Be(OH)₂

The main industrial methods for producing beryllium oxide powder include:

1. Thermal decomposition: Heat beryllium hydroxide (Be(OH)₂) or beryllium sulfate (BeSO₄) to high temperatures: (Be(OH)₂ → BeO + H₂O at about 400-500°C), 2BeSO₄ → 2BeO + 2SO₂ + O₂ (at about 1100°C).

2. Ore processing: The process of extracting beryllium from beryllium ores (beryl, beryl) is very complex and usually involves the steps of flux smelting, acid leaching (sulphuric acid), solvent extraction, precipitation of hydroxide, and eventual calcination to oxide. The main industrial routes are the sulfuric acid and fluoridation methods.

No, beryllium oxide itself is not radioactive. It is a stable compound. However, natural beryllium contains traces of the unstable isotope ¹⁰Be, but the concentration is much lower than that of beryllium oxide and is not sufficiently high to make it significantly radioactive or to pose a radiation hazard. The primary hazard of beryllium oxide is chemical toxicity (see Question 4), not radioactivity.

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Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing Specialist

Why choose Beryllium Oxide from To Good?

  • High Purity: Up to 99.5% for semiconductor grade applications.
  • Customized solutions: from standard crucibles to complex precision parts.
  • Precision machining: CNC system, small tolerance, smooth surface.
  • Strict quality control: ensure the consistency and reliability of each batch of products.
  • End-to-end service: from design to final assembly, tailored to your application.

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