NB6963 Niobium Foam

Niobium Foam Description

Niobium foam is a three-dimensional open‐cell porous structure manufactured from refractory niobium metal. It achieves a porosity range of 70–95% and a density of 0.5–3.0 g/cm³. Its interconnected ligament network results in a melting point of 2 468°C and the foam retains its mechanical integrity in inert or vacuum environments up to 1 400°C. It performs better than most metallic foams in these measured respects. The material resists corrosion from concentrated acids (HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄) and alkalis (NaOH, KOH) owing to a self‐passivating oxide layer (Nb₂O₅). Compressive strength between 5 and 50 MPa is recorded, and elastic deformation accommodates strain in excess of 50% before densification.

Biologically, niobium foam is biocompatible and comparable to titanium. It demonstrates no cytotoxicity and permits osseointegration. Its rough surface facilitates hydroxyapatite deposition for bone–implant fixation. Thermally, the foam exhibits a conductivity of 1–5 W/m·K and a specific surface area of 500–5 000 m²/g; these values allow efficient heat dissipation in aerospace thermal protection systems. Electrically, a metallic conductivity of approximately 5×10⁶ S/m is utilised in both battery electrodes and electromagnetic shielding applications.

Niobium Foam Applications

FEP resin is employed across various sectors due to its thermal stability, operating continuously from −200°C to +205°C. It exhibits chemical resistance against acids, bases, solvents and oxidisers. Its electrical insulation properties are demonstrated by a dielectric constant of 2.1 and a volume resistivity greater than 10¹⁸ Ω·cm. In aerospace and telecommunications wiring, FEP resin insulates high‐frequency coaxial cables for 5G and 6G networks, while withstanding exposure to aviation fuel and cryogenic conditions. A surface energy of 18 dynes per centimetre permits its use for non‐stick release films in composite manufacturing and 3D printing build platforms, thereby reducing contamination without additional lubricants. In energy applications, FEP is used as an ultraviolet‐resistant encapsulant for solar panels, maintaining over 92% light transmission during extended outdoor exposure and providing gas‐tight seals for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolyzers. The medical sector utilises this fluoropolymer for pharmaceutical packaging – such as intravenous solution bags and sterile vial seals – meeting FDA purity standards and biocompatibility requirements, and it can be moulded into transparent labware such as chemically resistant bottles and tubing for semiconductor processing that performs under liquid nitrogen conditions. Industrial systems apply FEP‐lined valves and pumps when handling concentrated sulphuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions, thereby extending equipment lifespan. In electric vehicle battery systems, FEP features a limiting oxygen index of 95%, which minimises thermal propagation. Additional applications include transparent conductive films for flexible electronics and acoustic damping layers in aerospace assemblies, given that its melt‐processability distinguishes it from conventional polytetrafluoroethylene.

Niobium Foam Packaging

Our products are packaged in customised cartons of various sizes in accordance with material dimensions. Smaller items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger items are placed in bespoke wooden crates. We adhere strictly to packaging specifications and utilise appropriate cushioning materials to provide protection during transport.

Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customised.

Kindly review the packaging details provided for your reference.

Manufacturing Process

1.       Testing Method

(1)    Chemical composition analysis is conducted. Techniques such as GDMS or XRF verify compliance with the specified purity requirements.

(2)    Mechanical properties testing is performed. Tensile strength, yield strength and elongation tests assess material performance.

(3)    Dimensional inspection is carried out. Measurements of thickness, width and length confirm adherence to the specified tolerances.

(4)    Surface quality inspection is undertaken. Visual and ultrasonic examinations identify defects such as scratches, cracks or inclusions.

(5)    Hardness testing determines material hardness and confirms uniform mechanical reliability.

Please refer to the SAM testing procedures for detailed information.

Niobium Foam FAQs

Q1. What are FEP’s defining advantages over PTFE?

FEP retains the chemical and thermal resistance of PTFE. It offers melt‐processability for extrusion or moulding, achieves optical clarity of 92% light transmission and records a surface energy of 18 dynes per centimetre. It operates consistently from −200°C to +205°C with negligible moisture absorption.

Q2. Where is FEP critically indispensable?

FEP is employed in aerospace and 5G wire insulation, maintaining a dielectric constant of 2.1 up to 1 GHz. It is used in solar panel encapsulation with ultraviolet resistance lasting over 20 years, in medical device packaging that meets FDA purity standards, and in chemical tank linings that resist 98% H₂SO₄ and 50% NaOH. It also provides gas‐impermeable seals for hydrogen fuel cells.

Q3. What are FEP’s thermal/electrical limits?

FEP supports continuous use up to 205°C and has a melting point of 304°C. It performs at temperatures down to −200°C. The volume resistivity exceeds 10¹⁸ Ω·cm and the dielectric strength is at least 80 kV/mm, remaining stable at 150°C. Degradation occurs only when exposed to molten alkali metals or fluorine gas above 300°C.

Related Information

1.       Common Preparation Methods

FEP is synthesised by free‐radical emulsion copolymerisation of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) in an approximate weight ratio of 85:15. Inorganic peroxides, such as ammonium persulphate, initiate the reaction under controlled conditions of 3–5 MPa and temperatures between 40°C and 120°C in an aqueous medium. The resulting colloidal dispersion is coagulated, washed with deionised water and dried to yield a granular resin. This resin then undergoes melt extrusion for film or cable production. Pellets are fed into an extruder maintained at 300–380°C within a tolerance of ±5°C to prevent thermal degradation. The molten polymer is forced through a flat or annular die and is rapidly quenched on chilled rolls at temperatures between 20°C and 50°C, thereby forming an amorphous, transparent state. Optional biaxial orientation at 100–150°C is applied to enhance tensile strength and barrier properties. Post‐processing includes a corona discharge surface treatment to improve adhesion for laminates, precision slitting to achieve target widths between 0.1 and 1.5 m, and laser‐gauged thickness control of 12–250 μm with a tolerance of ±3%. Rigorous quality testing confirms dielectric strength (≥80 kV/mm), optical transmission above 92%, and chemical purity in compliance with ASTM/ISO standards before packaging in cleanroom environments for medical or electronic grades. For moulded parts, such as labware or valves, injection moulding is conducted at 320–350°C with rapid cooling cycles to limit crystallinity and maintain transparency.