Eagle Alloys Corporation is a leading global supplier of commercially pure niobium (Nb). This element, which is generally found in Brazil and Canada, is used mostly in alloys with an emphasis on the steel that’s used in gas pipelines. Niobium helps strengthen steel by scavenging carbide and nitride. Meanwhile, because of its temperature stability, niobium is useful for making jet and rocket engines. Niobium alloys offer excellent thermal resistance and processability.
Niobium is Ductile and Malleable
In general, niobium is highly ductile and malleable. Its melting point is 2,468 degrees Celsius. Resistant to corrosion, it becomes super conductive at cryogenic temperatures and can conduct electricity with zero resistance. People in the sciences and medical fields are, perhaps, familiar with niobium because of its importance to those industries.
Niobium is Used in Many Industrial Businesses
Niobium is actually quite helpful in many industrial businesses. Considered a “technology-critical element,” it can help improve high-temperature oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance of things like steel. It can also improve the toughness of steel. Its low toxicity and iridescence make it popular for jewelry and numismatics. It also works well in the superconducting magnets of MRI scanners. Other industries where niobium is utilized include welding, optics (in the manufacture of lenses), and electronics.
Niobium Helps With Capacitors
When it comes to electronics, niobium can be used to help make capacitors. It’s also used for infrared laser technology. You might find it in electron tubes or electronic vacuum devices since it has a high melting point, a high emission electron capacity and can attract air.
Because of its properties, niobium also is used in the atomic energy industry. From nuclear fuels to atomic reactors, niobium plays a role.
In the medical field, niobium can be used in surgical instruments, skull plate screws, bone plates and more since it has good biological compatibility.
These are just some examples of how niobium helps industrial businesses. For more information about this element/alloy, please call Eagle Alloys at 800-237-9012 or email sales@eaglealloys.com.
