Thorium Applications

Thorium-plated cathodes are used in electronic valves and oxide-thorium ones – in magnetrons and powerful oscillator valves. Adding 0.8-1% ThO₂ stabilizes the tungsten filament in light bulbs. ThO₂ is used as a heat-resistant material as well as a resistance in high-temperature ovens. Thorium and its compounds are widely used as catalysts in organic synthesis, dopants for magnesium and other alloys used in jet planes and rockets. Thorium metal is used in thorium reactors.