UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG

FACULTY OF INDUSTRIAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

BSK 3163

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY PROCESS

ASSIGNMENT 1

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON RECYCLING OF

RARE EARTH ELEMENT

(NEODYMIUM ELEMENT)

NAME : NURUL NAJWA BTE MUSTAFA

STUDENT ID : SA10100

LECTURER NAME : PROF DR MOHD RIDZUAN BIN NORDIN

DATE OF SUBMISSION : 29 OCTOBER 2012

Rare Earth Metal (Neodymium, Nd)

Rare earth metal is the chemical element that is categorize in lanthanide and

actinoids series in periodic table. This rare earth metals consists 17 elements (57-71 in

periodic table) where two elements from this rare earth is come from group 3 (transition

metal elements) that are Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Y). These two elements are considered

to be rare earth metal due to their similar chemical properties and occur in the same

deposits as lanthanides. The major elements used in industries are Cerium (Ce), followed by

Lanthanum (La) and Neodymium (Nd). Others are Praseodymium (Pr), Yttrium (Y),

Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), and Erbium (Er).

Neodymium (Nd) is a silvery metal which pollute the environment usually air

pollution. It has atomic number of 60. Basically, Neodymium is not found in pure form or

unmixed with other lanthanides elements mainly monazite and bastnaesite. It was second

most abundant elements that are found as rare earth in the world but the bulk production at

China. Not only that, Neodymium is a very reactive rare earth metal and considered as

moderately toxic. That is why Neodymium is quickly tarnished with air and the coated form

does not protect the metal from being oxidize, so it must be stored carefully and make sure

no air interrupt. Usually, it stored in mineral oils. Besides, it reacts slowly with cold water but

rapidly react with heat. Below shows the chemical reaction of the Neodymium elements:

4 Nd + 3 O2 2 Nd2O3

That is a general reaction if Neodymium reacts with air. The reaction tells that the

element is quite electropositive. Neodymium also rapidly reacts with hot water. The reaction

below is between Neodymium and hot water to become a Neodymium Hydroxide.

2 Nd (s) + 6 H2O (l) 2 Nd (OH)3 (aq) + 3 H2 (g)

Inspite, Neodymium plays important roles in many industries especially in magnet

industries. The magnets are used in television, cell phones, computer, medical equipment,

toys, wind turbines and many more. The reaction of Neodymium with other rare metals such

as Yttrium and Aluminium called Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminium garnet, Nd.YAG.

This element used as a crystal in laser normally to treat skin cancer in medical application.

Recycling of this element can be done by many processes such as mining, beneficiation

(grinding, floatation, thickening, separation and drying), extraction (hydrometallurgy,

electrometallurgy and pyrometallury) and reduction (for high purity alloy).

Even Neodymium play important roles in many industries, it has several

disadvantages in environmental effects. Due to its properties which are moderately toxic,

their salt and dust can irritate the eyes although our body contains a little amount of this

element. Not only that, their gases and damps can affect human lung especially long term

exposure. It also can damage human liver when it accumulates to human body.

Furthermore, this environment is mostly dangerous for those who are working in Neodymium

mining industry.

As a conclusion, Neodymium might be an important element without environmental

issue if precaution for the worker is increased.

References :

1) http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1595

2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/neoduymium

3) Schuler, D. (2011). Study of Rare Earth Elements. Institute for applied ecology, Europe.

4) Sullivan, R. (2011). Rare Earth Metal. Retrieved from http://resourceinvestingnews.com/

20506-us-military-depending-on-china-for-rare-earths.html