Beryllium Oxide (BeO)

Beryllium oxide, often referred to as BeO beryllium oxide, is a highly specialized ceramic material known for its exceptional thermal conductivity, high electrical resistivity, and outstanding mechanical strength. The beryllium oxide chemical formula is BeO, also commonly expressed as the formula for beryllium oxide, formula of beryllium oxide, or chemical formula for beryllium oxide. As a high-performance ceramic, BeO stands out among advanced materials due to its unique ability to combine electrical insulation with thermal conductivity that rivals metals such as aluminum. This dual nature makes beryllium oxide an irreplaceable material for applications requiring both efficient heat dissipation and electrical isolation.

Advantages of Beryllium Oxide

BeO beryllium oxide ceramics possess a range of properties that make them highly sought after in advanced technological fields.

The crown jewel of BeO properties. With a thermal conductivity reaching 330 W/(m·K) for high-purity grades – approaching that of aluminum metal (around 250 W/(m·K)) and 6-10 times higher than alumina (Al₂O₃) – BeO is the premier choice for rapidly pulling heat away from critical components like high-power semiconductor lasers, RF transistors, and modules in aerospace and defense systems.

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

BeO exhibits remarkable stability in inert or vacuum atmospheres up to 1800°C, and can be used in oxidizing atmospheres up to about 1650°C before significant volatilization occurs. Its melting point is an exceptional 2575°C.

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

The dielectric constant (ε ≈ 6.7) and loss tangent (tan δ ≈ 0.0003) of BeO are very low, making it superb for high-frequency microwave and RF transmission applications (e.g., radar, satellite comms) 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 moderator and reflector in nuclear fission reactors and research applications.

Industry Applications

Beryllium oxide ceramics are widely used in heat dissipation substrates of high-power electronic and radio frequency devices, electrical insulation structures of semiconductor packaging and microwave devices due to their extremely high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation properties. They are used as high-temperature insulators and heat-resistant components in lasers, vacuum tubes and nuclear energy technologies. They are also used to manufacture high-purity crucibles, heat conduction components and special sensors, playing an irreplaceable role in critical scenarios that require efficient heat dissipation while maintaining insulation.

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Available grades of Beryllium oxide material

Great Ceramic offers multiple beryllium oxide product grades and formats to suit application demands:

Key Properties of beryllium oxide

Great Ceramic offers a variety of beryllium oxide materials for customers to choose from. The following values are typical material properties and may vary depending on product configuration and manufacturing process. For more details, please feel free to contact us.

Property B-97 B-99 B-99.5
Dielectric constant (1 MHz) 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 tan δ (1 MHz) ≤ 4×10⁻⁴ ≤ 4×10⁻⁴ ≤ 4×10⁻⁴
Dielectric loss tan δ (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
Bulk density ≥ 2.85 g/cm³ ≥ 2.85 g/cm³ ≥ 2.88 g/cm³
CTE (25–500 °C) 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·K ≥ 260 W/m·K ≥ 285 W/m·K
Thermal conductivity (100 °C) ≥ 160 W/m·K ≥ 190 W/m·K ≥ 200 W/m·K
Thermal shock resistance No cracks Pass Pass
Chemical stability 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 ≤ 1×10⁻¹⁰ Pa·m³/s ≤ 5×10⁻¹² Pa·m³/s ≤ 5×10⁻¹² Pa·m³/s
Average grain size 12–30 μm 10–20 μm 10–20 μm

Key Property Comparison – BeO vs. Other Technical Ceramics

Property Beryllia (BeO) Alumina (Al₂O₃ 99%) Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Shapal (AlN-SiC)
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) 230 – 260 20 – 30 170 – 180 85 – 90
CTE (x10⁻⁶/K) 7.0 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.0 4.5 – 5.5 4.5 – 5.5
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 6.7 9.8 8.6 – 9.0 7.0 – 7.5
Dielectric Loss (tan δ x10⁻⁴) 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

Beryllium oxide (BeO) ceramics from Great Ceramic combine ultra-high thermal conductivity, excellent electrical insulation, low dielectric constant, and superior stability at high temperatures, making them one of the most advanced ceramic solutions for demanding industries. With a thermal expansion coefficient close to silicon, BeO ceramics are the perfect choice for high-performance electronic packaging and thermal management.

Key Applications of BeO Ceramics:

  • Power semiconductor packaging substrates
  • Microwave device insulators
  • High-power laser components
  • Electrical isolation and heat dissipation elements
  • Nuclear energy and aerospace structural parts
  • Radar and communication system attenuators
  • Ceramic rings, plates, and tubes
  • High-precision electronic packaging bases
  • Vacuum and high-frequency electronic system parts
  • Customized complex ceramic components
Boron nitride ceramic nozzles
Beryllium oxide ceramic parts machining
Aluminum nitride substrate laser cutting
Metallized Beryllium Oxide-Beryllium Oxide Ceramics-Great Ceramic

Toxicity Of Beryllium Oxide Ceramics

Although high-purity beryllium oxide ceramics are very safe, it cannot be ignored that beryllium oxide dust is toxic to the human body. This is like plastics that do not produce toxins when they are used, but the materials made of plastics are generally toxic for the same reason. Beryllium oxide ceramics processed into solid forms will not cause special harm to human health.

beryllium oxide Machining

Beryllium oxide ceramics, with their extremely high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation, are an ideal material for power electronics and high-frequency devices. Great Ceramic boasts comprehensive beryllium oxide ceramic processing capabilities, providing customers with industry-leading performance, durability, and precision.

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

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

Precision Ceramic CNC Machining

CNC milling, turning, and grinding to micron-level tolerances.

Ceramic Grinding & Polishing

Surface polishing for smooth finishes and optical-grade surfaces.

Technical Ceramic Laser Cutting

Laser drilling and cutting for complex geometries.

Ceramic and Metal Brazed Assemblies

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

While the beryllium oxide formula (BeO) suggests an ionic compound (Be²⁺ and O²⁻), its bonding has a significant covalent character (estimated around 63%) due to the high charge density and small size of the Be²⁺ ion. This covalent character contributes to its high melting point and hardness. It's often described as having polar covalent bonds.

Yes, beryllium oxide is highly toxic, especially in powder or fume form. Inhalation can cause chronic beryllium disease (CBD), a serious and often lifelong lung condition, and beryllium sensitization. It is also a confirmed human carcinogen (IARC Group 1). Dense, fully sintered ceramic parts pose minimal risk if intact and not abraded, but any processing generating dust requires extreme caution and strict industrial hygiene controls.

Beryllium oxide (BeO), also known as Beryllia, is a white crystalline inorganic compound with the chemical formula BeO. It is a refractory ceramic material prized for its exceptional thermal conductivity (highest among oxides), high electrical resistivity, high melting point, and good mechanical strength. It finds critical use in electronics, nuclear, and aerospace applications.

Primary uses of beryllium oxide BeO include:

  • Heat sinks and substrates for high-power electronics (lasers, RF transistors, modules).

  • Components in microwave tubes (TWTs, klystrons) and RF packages.

  • Neutron moderators and reflectors in nuclear reactors.

  • Crucibles and fixtures for high-temperature processing.

  • Transparent microwave/radar windows (specially processed).

  • High-performance insulators and feedthroughs.

The chemical formula for beryllium oxide is BeO. This formula of beryllium oxide indicates it contains one atom of beryllium (Be) bonded to one atom of oxygen (O).

Beryllium oxide is amphoteric. This means it can react with both strong acids and strong bases:
* With acids: BeO + 2H⁺ → Be²⁺ + H₂O;
* With bases: BeO + 2OH⁻ + H₂O → [Be(OH)₄]²⁻ (Tetrahydroxoberyllate ion).

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

The primary industrial methods for producing beryllium oxide powder include:

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

2. Ore Processing: Complex extraction from beryllium ores (Bertrandite, Beryl), often involving steps like melting with fluxes, acid leaching (sulfuric acid), solvent extraction, precipitation of hydroxide, and final calcination to oxide. Key industrial routes are the Sulfate Process and Fluoride Process

No, beryllium oxide itself is not radioactive. It is a stable compound. However, natural beryllium contains a tiny trace of the unstable isotope ¹⁰Be, but its concentration is far too low to make BeO significantly radioactive or pose a radiation hazard. The primary hazard is chemical toxicity (see Q4), not radioactivity.

Advanced Ceramics Manufacturing Expert

Why Choose Great Ceramic's Beryllium Oxide

  • High Purity: Up to 99.5% for semiconductor-grade applications.

  • Custom Solutions: From standard crucibles to complex precision parts.
  • Precision Machining: CNC systems for tight tolerances and smooth finishes.
  • Strict Quality Control: Ensuring consistency and reliability in every batch.
  • End-to-End Service: From design to final assembly, tailored to your application.

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