USAGE PATTERNS FOR TELLURIUM. REPORT OF THE PANEL ON TELLURIUM OF THE COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF CRITICAL AND STRATEGIC MATERIALS.
Abstract
Since tellurium is recovered principally as a byproduct from copper and lead refining, its supply depends greatly on copper and lead production. The United States has been the leading producer and consumer of tellurium in recent years. Production of tellurium by North American refiners is typically in the range of 200,000 to 250,000 pounds per year and consumption in the United States is also about the same level. Tellurium is used by the rubber, metallurgical, chemical, and electronics industries. It is a secondary vulcanizing agent in the processing of both natural and GR-S synthetic rubber, a carbide stabilizing agent in the production of white cast iron, a machinability additive for carbon steel and copper, and an additive to lead to improve corrosion resistance. Tellurium is also used in thermoelectric and in semiconductor devices. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0693870