Niobium is a strong, corrosion-resistant metal with excellent heat resistance, making it ideal for a variety of industries. It is a soft, grey metal that is highly ductile, meaning it can be easily shaped. One of its standout properties is its ability to withstand high temperatures – melting at over 2,400°C (4,352°F) – and it’s also highly resistant to corrosion, especially in acids. Niobium’s unique superconducting abilities are valuable in advanced technologies, such as MRI machines and particle accelerators.
Niobium is widely used in aerospace and automotive industries, particularly in alloys that enhance the strength and heat resistance of parts for airplanes and rockets.
It’s also found in the production of steel, making structures like bridges and pipelines stronger and more durable. In addition, niobium is key in electronics, especially for making capacitors.
Niobium comes in several forms, including pure metal, alloys, niobium oxide, wire, sheets, foil, and powder. When alloyed with metals like titanium or zirconium, niobium enhances their strength and resistance. Niobium oxide is often used in electronic components and as a protective coating for other metals.
Properties & Grades
Grade 1 niobium is commercially pure, with excellent corrosion resistance and high ductility. It is highly resistant to acids and other corrosive environments, making it ideal for applications in the chemical industry, such as heat exchangers, tanks, and reactors. Grade 1 niobium is easily formable and weldable, with a low strength compared to other niobium grades.
| Nb | Fe | O | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99.99 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.01 |
Grade 2 niobium is also commercially pure but offers slightly higher strength than Grade 1. It is commonly used in applications requiring higher strength, such as aerospace, heat-resistant components, and pressure vessels. While maintaining high corrosion resistance, Grade 2 niobium has a slightly higher oxygen content, which enhances its mechanical properties.
| Nb | Fe | O | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99.8 | 0.05 | 0.05 – 0.1 | 0.01 |
| Nb | Ti | Fe | O | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 – 90 | 10 – 15 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.01 |
Grade 9 niobium is an alloy of niobium and zirconium, typically containing around 1% zirconium. This grade is used in the nuclear and aerospace industries for its high strength, excellent thermal stability, and resistance to radiation damage. It is commonly used in nuclear reactor fuel cladding and other components that are exposed to extreme conditions.
| Nb | Zr | Fe | O | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | 10 – 15 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.01 |
Applications & Grades
They are a base material in applications that do not require any formability beyond minimal bending and/or roll-forming.
- Medical Implants
- Aerospace
- MRI machines
- Chemical Processing Industry
- Railway tracks
- Bridges and buildings
- Nuclear Industry