Tantalum, niobium, tungsten, and molybdenum are all refractory metals, which means they have high melting points and are highly resistant to corrosion and wear. However, they have different physical properties that make them more suitable for certain applications.
Comparison of refractory metal’s properties:
Density: Tungsten has the highest density of the four metals, at 19.3 g/cm³, followed by tantalum (16.6 g/cm³), niobium (8.57 g/cm³), and molybdenum (10.2 g/cm³).
Melting Point: Tungsten has the highest melting point of the four metals, at 3,422 °C, followed by tantalum (3,020 °C), molybdenum (2,623 °C), and niobium (2,468 °C).
Machinability: Niobium is the easiest to machine of the four metals, followed by tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten. Tungsten, in particular, is very difficult to machine due to its high hardness and brittleness. Tungsten Heavy Alloywould be an alternative with improved machinability.
Corrosion Resistance: Tantalum has excellent corrosion resistance, especially in acidic environments, making it well-suited for chemical processing and medical implants. Niobium is also highly corrosion resistant, while tungsten and molybdenum are more prone to corrosion.
Price: Tantalum is the most expensive of the four metals, followed by niobium, tungsten and molybdenum.
Thermal Conductivity: Tungsten has the highest thermal conductivity of the four metals, followed by molybdenum, tantalum, and niobium. This property can be important for heat management in some applications.
Ductility: Niobium and tantalum are both highly ductile, which means they can be drawn into wires or formed into various shapes without breaking. Tungsten and molybdenum are less ductile, but they have excellent resistance to bending and stretching.
Electrical Conductivity: Tungsten and molybdenum have lower electrical conductivity than tantalum and niobium. This can be important for applications where electrical resistance is required, such as heating elements.
Appearance: Niobium has a unique surface coloration when anodized, and it can be anodized to produce a wide range of colors. This makes it popular for use in jewelry and other decorative applications.
Environmental Impact: Tungsten and molybdenum are both more abundant than tantalum and niobium, and they are often mined from countries with fewer environmental regulations. This can make them a more environmentally friendly choice for some applications.
When choosing a material for a specific application, the following factors should be considered:
Operating environment: The operating temperature and chemical environment will determine the level of corrosion resistance required.
Mechanical properties: The required strength and toughness of the material should be considered.
Machinability: If the part requires machining, the ease of machining should be considered.
Cost: The cost of the material should be balanced against its suitability for the application.
Applications where each of these metals is commonly used:
Tantalum: Chemical processing, medical implants, and electronic components.
Niobium: Aerospace components, superconductors, and medical implants.
Tungsten: Electrical contacts, welding electrodes, and radiation shielding.
Molybdenum: Aerospace components, heating elements, and glass melting electrodes.
Admat’s Refractory Metals Max Temp in Open Air w/ Limited Oxidation Risk
Note: These temperatures are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the purity of the material, the surface condition, and the environment in which it is being used. It’s important to consult with a materials engineer or other expert to determine the most appropriate materials and operating conditions for a given application.
Overall the choice of material depends on the specific requirements of the application. Tantalum and niobium are good choices for applications that require high corrosion resistance, while tungsten and molybdenum are better suited for applications that require high strength, high melting point, or electrical resistance.
Admat Inc. is a company that specializes in the sourcing, processing, fabrication, and supply of refractory metals, including tantalum. Some factors that contribute to their expertise in the tantalum industry include:
Experience: Admat Inc. has been in the business of supplying refractory metals for over 25 years and has developed extensive experience in working with tantalum and other similar materials. Over the years, they have developed relationships with various suppliers and customers, and have accumulated knowledge and expertise on the processing, handling, and supply of tantalum.
Technical expertise: Admat Inc. has a team of highly skilled professionals who are experts in the field of refractory metals. They possess technical knowledge and expertise in areas such as metallurgy, engineering, and materials science, which allows them to provide technical support and guidance to their customers on the use and handling of tantalum.
Quality assurance: Admat Inc. has a strong commitment to quality and maintains a strict quality control system to ensure that their products meet the highest standards. They work closely with suppliers to ensure that the tantalum they supply is of the highest quality and meets the required specifications.
Range of products: Admat Inc. offers a wide range of tantalum products, including sheets, rods, wires, and tubes, which allows them to serve a diverse range of customers and applications. They also offer custom fabrication services, which enables them to provide tailored solutions to meet specific customer requirements.
Ethical and sustainable sourcing: Admat Inc. is committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing of tantalum and other metals. They work with suppliers who follow responsible mining practices and support efforts to eliminate conflict minerals and promote human rights.
Customer service: Admat Inc. is known for its “in-house “customer service and responsiveness. They have a team of sales and technical professionals who are dedicated to providing personalized support and assistance to their customers, from initial inquiry to after-sales support.
Manufacturing capabilities: Admat Inc. has a range of manufacturing capabilities that allow them to process and fabricate tantalum and other metals according to customer specifications. This includes precision cutting, forming, welding, and other custom fabrication services both at their material factories and using third party machine and fabrication centers who are extensively experienced with tantalum.
Industry partnerships: Admat Inc. has established partnerships and collaborations with other companies and organizations in the tantalum industry. These collaborations allow them to stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments and technologies, and to share knowledge and expertise with other experts in the field.
These are just a few examples of why Admat Inc. is recognized as an expert in the tantalum industry. Their reputation is based on a combination of experience, technical knowledge, quality assurance, customer service, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Tantalum capacitors were first invented in the early 20th century by a Polish engineer named Wawrzyniec Lewicki. He discovered that tantalum oxide was an excellent dielectric material, meaning it could hold an electric charge without conducting electricity. This property made it possible to create tantalum capacitors, which were significantly smaller and more reliable than existing capacitors at the time.
The first type of tantalum capacitor to be developed was the solid tantalum capacitor, which became widely used in the electronics industry in the 1950s. These capacitors are constructed with tantalum powder, which is pressed into a pellet shape and coated with a thin layer of tantalum oxide. The pellet is then mounted on a lead frame and encapsulated in an epoxy resin. Solid tantalum capacitors are known for their small size, high capacitance, and stability at high temperatures, making them ideal for use in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras.
Another type of tantalum capacitor is the wet tantalum capacitor, which was developed in the 1950s for use in military and aerospace applications. Wet tantalum capacitors are constructed with a tantalum metal case, which is filled with a conductive electrolyte and a tantalum powder anode. The electrolyte is typically a solution of sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid, which provides high conductivity and low impedance. The tantalum powder anode is covered with a thin layer of tantalum pentoxide, which acts as a dielectric layer. The construction of wet tantalum capacitors makes them ideal for use in harsh environmental conditions, where their high reliability and long-life span are critical. Wet tantalum capacitors are used in a wide range of applications, including avionics, defense, and oil drilling equipment.
In addition to solid and wet tantalum capacitors, there is another type of tantalum capacitor called tantalum hybrid capacitors. Tantalum hybrid capacitors combinethe best features of tantalum and electrolytic capacitors to create a high-performance capacitor with low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) and high capacitance.
Tantalum hybrid capacitors are constructed with a tantalum powder anode and an aluminum electrolytic cathode, separated by a paper or polymer dielectric layer. The combination of tantalum and electrolytic materials allows tantalum hybrid capacitors to achieve high capacitance and low ESR, making them ideal for use in power supplies, motor drives, and other high-frequency applications.
Tantalum hybrid capacitors are also known for their high ripple current handling capabilities and their ability to operate at high temperatures. This makes them a popular choice for industrial and automotive applications, where reliability and performance are critical.
In conclusion, tantalum capacitors have become an essential component in many electronic devices, from consumer electronics to aerospace and defense applications. Their small size, high capacitance, and stability at high temperatures and under harsh environmental conditions make them ideal for a wide range of applications. As a supplier of tantalum metal in powder, sheet, and wire forms, Admat is one of the leading providers of high-quality tantalum materials used in the production of tantalum capacitors. Their commitment to quality and innovation has enabled them to supply the electronic industry with the high-grade tantalum materials necessary to meet the growing demand for smaller and more efficient capacitors. With the continued evolution of technology, the role of tantalum capacitors is likely to become even more important in the future.
Lubricants for Stamping, Drawing, and Machining Tantalum:
Tantalum is a dense and hard metal that is used in a variety of applications, including electronic components, medical devices, and aerospace equipment. When stamping, drawing, or machining tantalum, it’s important to use the right lubricant to reduce friction, heat, and tool wear. In this article, we will explore the best lubricants for stamping, drawing, and machining tantalum.
Synthetic Oils
Synthetic oils, such as polyalphaolefins (PAOs) or ester-based lubricants, are commonly used in stamping, drawing, and machining operations due to their high lubricity and thermal stability. These lubricants are formulated to provide long-lasting lubrication and protection against wear and tear, making them ideal for use in demanding applications.
Water-Soluble Coolants
Water-soluble coolants, such as emulsions or soluble oils, can be used to provide cooling and lubrication during stamping, drawing, and machining operations. They are typically used when high speeds or fine surface finishes are required. Water-soluble coolants are easy to apply and are known for their ability to maintain their lubricating properties even under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Pastes
Pastes and gels, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide-based products, can be used for stamping, drawing, and machining operations where a high degree of lubrication is required. These lubricants are typically applied as a thick paste or gel, which provides a long-lasting and effective barrier against friction and wear.
Greases
Greases, such as lithium or sodium-based products, can be used in stamping, drawing, and machining operations where a low-viscosity lubricant is required. Greases are easy to apply and can provide long-lasting lubrication, making them ideal for use in high-speed or high-temperature applications.
Halocarbon Lubricants
Halocarbon lubricants, such as perfluoroether (PFE) or perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants, are among the best lubricants for stamping, drawing, and machining tantalum. These lubricants are known for their high thermal stability, low volatility, and high lubricity, making them well-suited for use in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
Halocarbon lubricants can maintain their lubricating properties at high temperatures, which makes them ideal for use in stamping, drawing, and machining operations that generate significant heat. Additionally, these lubricants have low volatility, meaning they do not easily evaporate or break down, which can extend the life of the lubricant and reduce the need for frequent reapplication.
However, halocarbon lubricants are typically more expensive than other types of lubricants and may also have a higher environmental impact, as they are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for long periods of time.
Halocarbon lubricants are the best performing lubricants for stamping, drawing, and machining tantalum, due to their high thermal stability, low volatility, and high lubricity. However, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your operation and to consult with a lubricant specialist to determine the best lubricant for your specific application. Whether you are using synthetic oils, water-soluble coolants, pastes, greases, or halocarbon lubricants, it’s crucial to use the right lubricant to reduce friction, heat, and tool wear during your stamping, drawing, and machining operations.
Tantalum is a metal with properties that make it highly desirable across several industries due to its unique properties and performance advantages. Admat is an ideal partner for supplying tantalum to these industries, offering high-quality products, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service. Regardless of the industry, Admat has the expertise and resources to meet your tantalum needs.
Chemical Processing: Tantalum is utilized in the production of chemicals and catalysts due to its corrosion-resistant nature. The demand for tantalum in this sector is expected to grow as companies adopt new technologies and process advancements.
Semiconductor: Tantalum serves as a gate electrode material in transistors, making it a critical component in the semiconductor industry. The demand for tantalum in this market is driven by the growth of the electronics market.
Capacitor: Tantalum capacitors are widely used in consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and military electronics. The demand for tantalum in the capacitor market is rising due to the demand for high-performance electronic components.
Medical: Tantalum is utilized in dental implants and surgical instruments due to its high strength and durability. The demand for tantalum in the medical industry is increasing as the demand for high-quality medical products and advanced medical treatments rises.
Energy: Tantalum’s ability to resist corrosion in high-temperature environments makes it a valuable component in the energy sector. The demand for tantalum in this market is driven by the increasing demand for renewable energy and advanced materials in energy production and distribution.
Defense: Tantalum’s strength and durability make it suitable for use in high-stress defense applications, such as weapons systems and aircraft components. The demand for tantalum in the defense industry is rising as the demand for advanced materials in defense applications grows.
Additive Manufacturing: Tantalum’s ability to produce high-quality, intricate parts with high accuracy makes it a valuable component in the additive manufacturing sector. The demand for tantalum in this market is driven by the increasing demand for advanced manufacturing technologies.
Niobium – the 41st element on the periodic table– is a soft, grey, crystalline metal used in a variety of applications from steel production to hypoallergenic jewelry. The metal was originally discovered by British chemist Charles Hatchett in 1801 as he examined American minerals from a collection in the British Museum. Hatchett named this element columbium, after Christopher Columbus. Through the years most people now refer to this element as Niobium. As tantalum and niobium are often found together and for many years were indistinguishable from each other, the name niobium comes from Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus from ancient Greek mythology.
Production
Niobium mineral can be found in niobite, euxenite, pyrochlore, and niobite-tantalite. In pyrochlore niobium is often associated with carbonates. Vast deposits of niobium-rich minerals can be found in Russia, Nigeria, Zaire, Canada, along with the leading producer, Brazil. Annual production is over 50,000 tons of oxide.
Pure niobium is extracted from the mineral by digesting with hydrofluoric acid. The niobium aqueous solution is separated from other compounds by liquid-liquid extraction. The purified niobium is then precipitated from the aqueous solution as niobium hydroxide by an alkaline solution such as ammonia. After calcining the hydroxide is turned into niobium penta-oxide (pentoxide, Nb2O5). The niobium oxide can be converted to the metal form by aluminum thermite reduction. The metal is often further purified in an electron beam (EB) furnace to yield niobium ingots. Mill processes turn the ingot to plate, sheet, tube, and wire. Superconductor grade niobium (RRR 300) has very low impurities, especially gases, and can be made by repeatedly refining the metal in a high vacuum EB furnace.
Properties
Niobium is a lustrous, ductile metal. It features a high melting point (2,477° C), lower density than similar refractory metals, high corrosion resistance (but lower than tantalum), and good cold working properties.
Following is a summary of its properties:
Element Category — Transition Metals
Phase — Solid
Symbol — Nb
Number — 41
Density — 8.57 grams per cubic centimeter
STD Atomic Weight — 92.90638(2) g/mol
Crystal Structure — Body Centered Cubic
Melting Temperature — 2750 K, 2477° C, 4491° F
Boiling Point — 5017 K, 4744° C, 8571° F
Electrical Resistivity — (0 °C) 152 nΩ·m
Thermal Conductivity — (300 K) 53.7 W·m−1·K−1
Thermal Expansion — 7.3 µm/(m·K)
Applications
Industrial uses for niobium stretch as far back as the early 1900s, and more benefits are being discovered and applied for this valuable element as time goes on.
Niobium is most commonly used to create alloys. Even with as little as 0.01% niobium, the strength of steel is markedly improved. These alloys are often found in oil and gas facilities and pipelines. Niobium superalloys, such as nickel niobium, have a demonstrable ability to maintain stability, making them highly desirable in rockets and jet engines as well as land-based turbines in power plants.
Niobium titanium alloys are superconductive under certain low temperature range. These alloys are used to create superconducting magnets used in MRI scanners.
Further uses for niobium alloys include:
Arc-welding rods for stabilized grades of stainless steel
Nuclear reactor control rod due to its high temperature and corrosion resistance, and low neutron absorption at cross-section
Crucibles for synthetic diamond manufacturing
Sodium vapor lamb, and LCD back lighting
Jewelry: brilliant colors can be created on niobium surface
Superconductor, supercollider and particle accelerator using ultra-high purity metals and alloys
Optical coating and camera lens
Lithium niobite for wave guide in communications
Thin film solar cell
Product Availability
Admat offers a range line of pure, alloy, and oxide niobium products including:
Pure Niobium
Commercial grade
Reactor grade
Superconductor grade (RRR300)
Niobium Alloys
Niobium 1% Zirconium
Niobium 47% Titanium
Niobium 50% Titanium
Niobium 55% Titanium
Niobium 10% hafnium 1% titanium
Metal and alloy forms
Flat: plate, sheet, foil, strip
Round: rod, wire
Tube
Billet
Sputtering target – flat or tube/pipe
Niobium oxides
Ceramic grade
Optical grade
Crystal grade
If you’re interested in discussing how niobium can be used for your application, please feel free to contact our team of experts directly.
Refractory metals are metallic elements that exhibit properties that make them more durable than other metals. For example, they can demonstrate corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and deformation resistance. These characteristics make them ideal for use in highly demanding applications and environments. One example of refractory metals is tantalum, which is prized for its excellent resistance to corrosion.
What Is Tantalum?
Tantalum is among the most corrosion-resistant of the refractory metals. It possesses a protective oxide layer that is extremely difficult to remove, even when it is exposed to strong and hot acid environments. This layer results in a material with a non-detectable corrosion rate, which essentially means it cannot corrode. For this reason, it is commonly used in the fabrication of the following components:
Columns
Condensers
Heat exchangers
Helical coils
Pipe Stools
Reactors
Valve linings
Tantalum in Highly Corrosive Environments
Due to its unique characteristics, tantalum is ideal for parts and products used in highly corrosive environments. Its resistance to corrosion and inertness with most acids enable it to withstand long-term use within them. Since it is not damaged or degraded by acids, it can remain in contact with the media for extended periods.
The material is often used for equipment for the chemical processing and pharmaceutical industries since they generally involve hot and highly corrosive environments. It can stand up to exposure to hot, concentrated acids, like hydrochloric acid (HCI) or sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Other industries that use it include aerospace, electronics, medical, steel finishing, and tooling.
Tantalum Products From ADMAT
Tantalum is an ideal material choice for applications where long-term corrosion resistance is critical. If you’re looking for a reliable supplier of tantalum products, ADMAT has got you covered. We’ve provided refractory metals, including tantalum, in various forms for over 20 years. This vast experience has allowed us to fully understand the importance and benefits of specialty materials, which is why we are committed to providing our customers the highest quality products. They find use in a range of industrial applications since they are compliant with many industry standards.
Tantalum and niobium are transition metals that are commonly found together in nature. They are often difficult to separate from one another due to their similarities in physical and chemical characteristics. In fact, when tantalum was first discovered in 1802, it was confused with niobium, which was discovered much earlier in 1734. It was not recognized as a separate element until 1864.
While the two materials have many shared properties, there are some key differences between them. Below we highlight each material’s unique characteristics and manufacturing process.
The Characteristics and Manufacturing Process of Tantalum
Tantalum is a dark blue-gray metal that is hard, dense, and ductile. It is also easily fabricated, highly conductive to electricity and heat, and exceptionally resistant to corrosion.
Separation: Since tantalum is often found with niobium, it must undergo a separation process before it can be further refined and used. This process involves treating the ore with a mixture of hydrofluoric acid and sulfuric acid at elevated temperatures, which dissolves the tantalum and niobium into complex fluorides.
Purification: Since other elements are generally present within the ore, the slurry is first filtered and then further processed using a solvent extraction process that uses methyl isobutyl ketone or a liquid ion exchange process that uses an amine extractant in kerosene. The result is a highly purified solution of tantalum.
Conversion: The purified tantalum solution can be turned into tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) or potassium tantalum fluoride (K2TaF7) as needed.
Metal Production: The final step is to convert the tantalum compound into pure tantalum metal using an electrolytic or chemical reduction process.
The Characteristics and Manufacturing Process of Niobium
Niobium—initially known as columbium—is a lustrous gray metal with a high melting point and low density. It is highly ductile and superconductive.
There are two main processes used for niobium production. They are utilized depending on whether pyrochlore or columbite and tantalum-bearing ores are being processed.
Pyrochlore Ores: These ores undergo a process that converts the niobium oxide into HSLA ferroniobium. The conversion is performed either through an aluminothermic reduction process or by reduction in an electric arc furnace.
Columbite and Tantalum-bearing Ores: These ores undergo the same chemical process outlined in the Tantalum section. Typically, ammonia is introduced to the purified solution of niobium to convert it into niobium hydroxide. The resulting compound is then washed, filtered, and calcined.
Metal Production: The calcined niobium hydroxide is then reduced to pure niobium metal using an electrolytic or chemical reduction process.
Learn More About Tantalum and Niobium From the Experts at ADMAT
Want to learn more about tantalum and niobium? Ask the experts at ADMAT! As a leading supplier of refractory metals, including tantalum and niobium, they can answer and address any questions or concerns you may have about these materials. If you want to purchase these metals for your next project, request a quote.
If you need a metal rod that can withstand high temperatures and has extremely strong chemical resistance to most corrosive environments then tantalum rod is already on your short list of materials.
Tantalum belongs to a class of metals known as refractory metals, which are defined by their strong resistance to heat and wear. It has a melting point of 5,463 °F (2,996 °C), the fourth highest of all metals. Like most metals, tantalum forms a thin but dense protective oxide layer (Ta2O5) when exposed to the atmosphere. This oxide layer firmly adheres to the surface of the metal, acting as a barrier which protects the underlying metal from further corrosion.
Below are some examples of common applications for tantalum rods. Included with each application are some suggestions based on how others in that industry specify the tantalum rods for such uses. If your application is not on the list, we suggest contacting Admat’s technical sales at 484-322-2091.
Machined fasteners –
Machined tantalum fasteners are bolts, screws, nuts, washers and threaded rods which are fabricated from tantalum metal rods. They replace fasteners made of alternative materials prone to failure or that require expensive equipment shutdowns for maintenance. Tantalum fasteners appear in industries such as mining, energy, and pharmaceuticals as well as in metal and chemical processing. For customers who prefer to make their own fasteners unannealed tantalum rod is most commonly requested. Annealed tantalum rods are sometimes difficult to machine because the metal has a tendency to gum. Unannealed tantalum rods make machining and threading easier. As a service to our customers, Admat also offers machined fasteners to your custom sizes
Vacuum furnace heating elements – Because of tantalum’s oxidation resistance and high melting point, many vacuum furnace components incorporate tantalum rods. Grain stabilized tantalum rod is designed to survive longer in high temperature environments by reducing grain growth. Admat can grain stabilize tantalum rods by producing the product using a powder metallurgy process which creates a very uniform and fine grain size or as an alternative the rods can be produced with very small amounts of additives such a Yttrium. Either method prolongs or prevents the tantalum grains from growing and therefore increases machine life expectancy due to its ability to withstand high temperatures for long periods of time.
Machined parts for chemical processing equipment – Tantalum rods have corrosion-resistant properties which make it a choice material for machined parts used in chemical processing equipment. Tantalum machined parts replace inferior materials that do not perform as well in harsh chemical environments and require extensive maintenance. In most cases customer request tantalum 2.5% tungsten rod which has slightly more strength and corrosion resistance. When ordering tantalum rods for such applications we suggest you order to ASTM B365 R05200 for pure tantalum rods or ASTM B365 R05252 for tantalum 2.5% tungsten rods.
X-ray/radiation shielding – Due to its high density, tantalum’s radio-opaque qualities make it ideal for X-ray and shielding applications seeking to prevent radiation leakage. Tantalum rods are often manufactured into shielding which protect sensitive electronic components in aerospace structures as well as components operating in corrosive environments. There is great variability in the tantalum rods used in applications such as this. Because the shielding is due to tantalum’s density, which is intrinsic, just about any grade of tantalum rod will be functional.
Sputtering Targets for Gun Barrels – Tantalum rods are sometimes used as a sputtering target to coat the inside of gun barrels with tantalum as a replacement for chromium. This makes the gun barrel manufacturing process more environmentally friendly and lets manufacturers reduce their ecological impact. When purchasing tantalum for such an application most customers prefer tantalum rods that are fully annealed, melted in an electron beam furnace (ASTM B365 R05200) and have a 99.95% minimum purity. Some customers have specified tantalum 2.5% tungsten or tantalum 10% tungsten rods.
Tantalum (Ta) is an unsung hero in modern metallurgy. First discovered by the Swedish chemist Anders Ekeberg in 1802, this versatile metal has become essential to numerous industries over the years.
Raw tantalum rarely occurs in nature. Instead, it is typically found in the ore columbite-tantalite (usually referred to as coltan). Once extracted, pure tantalum is a hard blue-gray lustrous metal.
Since its discovery, tantalum has been used in a number of applications. In the 21st century, it has become a crucial element in the electronics industry, with over 75% of electronics containing tantalum in some form. In particular, engineers have been able to take advantage of some of tantalum’s properties to make capacitors and other components smaller and more efficient.
Properties of Tantalum
Tantalum has several unique characteristics that have led to its increased use in the 21st century. It is a highly stable metal that is almost immune to chemical degradation at temperatures lower than 302 °F (159 °C). In addition, it exhibits high levels of corrosion resistance when it comes into contact with air and moisture.
Like most metals, tantalum forms a thin but dense protective oxide layer (Ta2O5) when exposed to the atmosphere. This oxide layer firmly adheres to the surface of the metal, acting as a barrier which protects the underlying metal from further corrosion.
Tantalum belongs to a class of metals known as refractory metals, which are defined by their strong resistance to heat and wear. It has a melting point of 5,463 °F (2,996 °C), the fourth highest of all metals.
In terms of mechanical properties, tantalum is highly ductile, making it suitable for processes such as bending, stamping, and pressing. When combined with other metals, it can produce alloys with enhanced strength and higher melting points.
Common Uses of Tantalum
Tantalum is generally used in applications that require increased heat, corrosion, and chemical resistance. Below is a list of the commonly available forms of tantalum and their most common uses.
Sheet/Plate – Tantalum’s high melting point makes it ideal for high-temperature applications. In sheet form, it is commonly used in linings for columns, vessels, tanks, heat exchangers, and vacuum furnace parts. Thin sheets can also be used for anti-corrosion cladding, repairs, and reinforcement of existing
Rod/Wire – Tantalum is also known for its biocompatibility. In other words, it is a nonirritating element that is not affected by bodily fluids. This property makes tantalum wires a popular material for prosthetic implants and other medical devices. In addition, tantalum wires are commonly used in vacuum furnace heating elements, chlorinator springs, light bulb elements, and chemical processing equipment.
Powder – In its powder form, tantalum is used to produce electrical circuits, capacitors, and resistors, primarily because its superior capacitance allows it to hold more charge per gram than other materials. This has made it possible to develop smaller electrical parts and, by extension, smaller electrical devices.
Tube – Because of their heightened resistance to corrosion, tantalum tubes are often employed in the chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries for the processing of compounds that may weaken or destroy other metals. Columns, stacks, and piping are just some of the products constructed from tantalum tubing in these industries.
Strips and foils – Similar to sheets, tantalum strips and foils can be used as liners in vacuum furnaces and heat insulation applications. Thin-gauge tantalum strips can also be deep drawn to manufacture crucibles, cups, and other inert laboratory equipment.
Tantalum, niobium, tungsten, and molybdenum are all refractory metals, which means they have high melting points and are highly resistant to corrosion and wear. However, they have different physical properties that make them more suitable for certain applications.
metallurgy, engineering, and materials science, which allows them to provide technical support and guidance to their customers on the use and handling of tantalum.
In addition to solid and wet tantalum capacitors, there is another type of tantalum capacitor called tantalum hybrid capacitors. Tantalum hybrid capacitors combinethe best features of tantalum and electrolytic capacitors to create a high-performance capacitor with low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) and high capacitance.
Lubricants for Stamping, Drawing, and Machining Tantalum:
Niobium – the 41st element on the periodic table– is a soft, grey, crystalline metal used in a variety of applications from steel production to hypoallergenic jewelry. The metal was originally discovered by British chemist Charles Hatchett in 1801 as he examined American minerals from a collection in the British Museum. Hatchett named this element columbium, after Christopher Columbus. Through the years most people now refer to this element as Niobium. As tantalum and niobium are often found together and for many years were indistinguishable from each other, the name niobium comes from Niobe, the daughter of Tantalus from ancient Greek mythology.
X-ray/radiation shielding – Due to its high density, tantalum’s radio-opaque qualities make it ideal for X-ray and shielding applications seeking to prevent radiation leakage. Tantalum rods are often manufactured into shielding which protect sensitive electronic components in aerospace structures as well as components operating in corrosive environments. There is great variability in the tantalum rods used in applications such as this. Because the shielding is due to tantalum’s density, which is intrinsic, just about any grade of tantalum rod will be functional.
Tantalum (Ta) is an unsung hero in modern metallurgy. First discovered by the Swedish chemist Anders Ekeberg in 1802, this versatile metal has become essential to numerous industries over the years.