Elemental Analysis - Curium (Cm)

Curium is a silvery, shiny and radioactive metal. It darkens quickly in air. Curium has been used to power electrical equipment used in space missions. Biologically, curium is toxic due to its radioactivity.

The element curium gets its name from the Curies, a chemist who was a pioneer in understanding radioactivity. It was first described in the metallurgical laboratory in 1944. The plutonium-239 isotope was bombarded with helium ions and curium was obtained. After all, it is a synthetically produced transuranium element. Very small amounts of curium may be present in natural uranium deposits. Only a few grams of curium each year being produced.

Curium is highly radioactive. It is malleable, chemically reactive and electropositive. Its surface is rapidly oxidized in air, forming a thin film layer. It dissolves rapidly in dilute solutions.

If absorbed by the body, curium accumulates in the bones. Its radiation destroys red blood cell formation. As a result, curium is considered very toxic.

Curium is currently used primarily for basic scientific research. However, some of its isotopes have proven uses. For example, the curium-242 isotope produces more thermal energy than plutonium does. This isotope has been used as a power source for medical applications.

In the tests and analyzes carried out in our organization, which has a wide range of technological equipment, trained and experienced staff and applies the most modern methods, national and international standards and legal regulations in force are complied with. Among the numerous tests carried out in this context, there are also curium (Cm) testing services within the framework of elemental analysis.