Pure Niobium

About Pure Niobium

Pure niobium is a grey metal. A passivating oxide layer is applied to produce a range of colours. Its high chemical resistance is confirmed by testing. Niobium is corrosion resistant and can be formed at low temperatures.

Properties of Pure Niobium

Niobium exhibits a set of properties that make it suitable for specific industrial applications:

• High Melting Point: The melting point is 2 468 °C, which qualifies it for high temperature applications.
• High Ductility: At room temperature, niobium remains ductile and is easily formed.
• Recrystallisation Temperature: Occurs between 850 °C and 1 300 °C, depending on the purity and degree of deformation.
• Corrosion Resistance: It resists aqueous solutions and molten metals.
• High Solubility of Gases: It readily dissolves carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen; this may result in embrittlement.
• Superconductivity: It shows superconductivity at low temperatures, which is verified in controlled tests.
• Biocompatibility: The material is biocompatible and is used for medical implants.

Applications of Pure Niobium

Pure niobium is used in several industries because its properties meet precise technical requirements:

• Minting Inserts: Niobium is used for coins that obtain colouration from an oxide layer.
• Coating Technology: It is used in the production of corrosion resistant evaporator targets for thin film deposition.
• Diamond Processing: Niobium crucibles are employed in diamond processing due to their dimensional stability and heat resistance.
• Medical Implants: Its biocompatibility supports its use in the manufacture of implants and medical devices.
• Superconducting Cables and Magnets: The transition temperature supports use in applications that require strong magnetic fields and high conductivity.

Available Forms of Pure Niobium

Pure niobium is available in various forms to meet different industrial demands:

• Ingots, Foil, Plates, Tube/Ring, Wire, Rod/Bar
• Disc/Target, Mesh, Crucible, Flange, Capillary Tube, Ring
• Sheets/Strips, Spherical Powder, Nanopowder