Being a metal that can be magnetized, cobalt has wide applications in industry, as well as in the manufacture of everyday artifacts. This chemical element is characterized by having a color that oscillates between white and blue, and it was isolated for the first time in the year 1735.
Keep reading to learn more about the most important uses that this metal has, in daily life, in industry, in technology, and even in medicine and the human body.
Uses of cobalt in industry
Important metal alloys
One of the main uses of cobalt centers on alloys with other metals that have different industrial purposes. For example, certain alloys are used in the manufacture of gas-powered jet and turbine engines.
Another interesting alloy is called alnico, which is basically a mixture of aluminum, nickel and cobalt, the same one that is characterized by being strongly magnetic. These magnets with cobalt alloys are used inside headphones, compasses and microphones.
There are several cutting tools which can be made from stellite alloys, which contain cobalt, chromium and tungsten.
Uses of cobalt in electroplating
The cobalt is very important in electroplating, which is basically a process in which a layer of material is applied to an object to give it a particular aesthetic or protective quality. In this case, cobalt provides objects with an attractive surface that prevents oxidation.
Uses of cobalt in technology
In electronic circuits and batteries
The cobalt is also used in electronic devices and batteries that allow the operation and advancement of the digital world, forming part of the circuits and semiconductors that make the c Computers, cell phones and a lot of electronic devices.
As we move towards a future of zero emissions and care for the environment, the cobalt based batteries will be increasingly in demand to help decarbonise travel and help integrate renewable energy into national electricity grids, forming part of the electric cars of the future.
Uses of cobalt in super alloys
When cobalt is mixed with certain metals, super alloys are obtained, that is, highly resistant to corrosion, high temperatures and oxidation. These compounds are used to manufacture turbines in airplanes and devices for industrial use.
The superalloys obtained from cobalt are also used to make cemented carbides and diamond tools, as well as parts of milling machines (a machine used to cut wood, metals, plastic, etc.).
Finally, it should also be noted that cobalt alloys can be used in the manufacture of heavy military weapons and cutting tools (ideal for drilling machines ).
In the manufacture of magnets
As with iron, cobalt is a metal that can be magnetized, thus being an ideal element in the manufacture of magnetic tapes and magnets. These magnets have a wide range of uses, mainly to make electrical appliances or for scientific and industrial use.
It should be noted that the magnets that use cobalt, nickel and aluminum They are very powerful, being widely used in the technological innovation.
As a chemical catalyst
Many metals have the quality of being able to lower the activation energy to speed up different types of chemical reactions, and cobalt is no exception. This metal has great potential as a chemical catalyst, being widely used in the oil industry.
Cobalt uses to coat metals
As previously mentioned, cobalt and its alloys are resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which is why they are used to coat other types of metals to protect against wear. In addition, it is also common for them to be used to cover cables.
To make drying compounds
It is widely used in the industry to make driers for paints, enamels and varnishes, as they provide protection and help the finishes remain intact for longer.
To make steel
Highly powerful and resistant cutting tools can be made with cobalt, perfect for cutting other metals such as steel. Therefore, its use is quite widespread for this purpose.
Uses of cobalt in everyday life
To produce pigments
The cobalt can form green and blue colored salts, which are used to produce pigments that stand out for their brightness and intensity. These paints are ideal for making paints and enamels, as well as for coloring ceramics, porcelain and glass.
As a protective agent in jewelry
You will surely be surprised to know that this metal also has aesthetic uses. And it is that galvanized cobalt is a compound used in jewelry to cover necklaces, earrings, rings and practically all kinds of jewelry in order to provide protection and prevent oxidation.
Uses of cobalt in medicine
In the manufacture of tools for surgery and devices for dental use
Because it is resistant to wear and corrosion, some cobalt alloys are used to make surgical tools and dental appliances. These utensils stand out for their durability and protection against tarnishing.
As a cancer treatment and for sterilization
The Cobalt 60Co isotope is commonly used to apply radiotherapy in cancer patients. In addition, it is used in the gamma sterilization of certain medical devices.