Niobium

Niobium (Nb), named after a greek mythology figure Niobe, is a gray-shining heavy metal. It is resistant to high acids and has properties similar to tantalum. The melting point is at 2.447°C. It is characterized by high heat resistance. Niobium and tantalum are together as ore and have to be separated by an industrial process. This is possible because both metals have a different solubility.

The largest producer of this metal is Brazil with a share of up to 90% of world production. Over 80% of the worldwide niobium production is used as an alloying additive for steel and superalloys.

Application areas

• alloying component for stainless steels in automotive engineering, bridges, high voltage masts and pipes
• alloying element for aircraft and rocket engines
• alloying component with tungsten for the production of thermometers in high temperature range
• alloying element with titanium for the production of permanent magnets or large magnets in particle accelerators