Yttrium
TV’s, lasers, ceramics and catalysts all have one thing in common – compounds of Yttrium.
It is yttrium oxide-europium phosphor which produces the red colour in TV tubes. Other compounds are effective microwave filters, catalysts in ethene polymerisation, and additions in magnets.
The fact that the oxide has a high melting point can add characteristics like shock resistance and low expansion to glass enabling it to have a wide use in the ceramics and glass industry.
As an ingredient in alloys it can strengthen other metals such as chromium, aluminium and magnesium.