Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Magnets:
Cobalt is a key component in powerful magnets used in various applications, including electric motors and generators.
- Pigments:
Cobalt salts have been used for centuries to produce the vibrant blue color in paints, ceramics, glass, and porcelain.
- Hardmetals and Cutting Tools:
Cobalt is used to bind tungsten carbide particles, creating hardmetals used in cutting tools for manufacturing and construction.
- Catalysts:
Cobalt compounds act as catalysts in various industrial processes, including petroleum refining and desulfurization.
- Other uses:
Cobalt can be found in medical applications, including cancer treatment and as a component in vitamin B12.
- Batteries:
Cobalt is a vital ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, powering electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. - Superalloys:
Cobalt-based superalloys are used in high-temperature applications like jet engines and gas turbine generators due to their strength and heat resistance.