About Niobium
Elmet Technologies specializes in the production and processing of high-performance materials like niobium (Nb), the lightest of the refractory metals. Known for its extremely high melting point and exceptional heat resistance, it is a highly versatile material with wide-ranging applications in aerospace, electronics, nuclear power, and defense.
In its elemental form, niobium is a light gray transition metal. However, it doesn’t occur naturally on its own and is instead found in minerals like columbite and tantalite. Through advanced metallurgical processes, niobium is extracted and refined to create high-performance products with enhanced properties and functionality.
With a melting point of 2477°C, niobium shares the heat resistance of other refractory metals but stands out due to its relatively low density. At just 8.57 g/cm³, niobium is the lightest refractory metal, with a density comparable to nickel and copper, making it ideal for applications where strength and reduced weight are critical.
Advanced Materials for High-Tech Industries
Top specialists are continuously investigating innovative uses of niobium for the high-tech industries of aviation, space, and defense. Niobium offers superior performance compared to other materials, significantly minimizes downtime, and extends the service life of process-exposed equipment by years.
- High heat resistance
- Ductility
- Superconductivity
- Reliability
- Corrosion resistance
Properties of Pure Niobium
Elmet Technologies’ outstanding material properties provide shielding from radiation along with other highly desirable characteristics. Metal alloys are also available.
- Atomic Number: 41
- Atomic Weight: 92.91
- Lattice Type: bcc
- Density at 20 ºC gm/cc: 8.57
- Melting Point ºC: 2468
- Boiling Point ºC: 4927
- Linear Coefficient of Expansion
(per ºC): 7.1×10-5 - Thermal Conductivity
(at 20 ºC, cal/cm2/cm ºC/sec): 0.523 - Specific Heat
(cal/g/ºC, 20 ºC): 0.126 - Conductivity
(%IACS): 13.30% - Resistivity
microohms-cm, 20 ºC: 15 - Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity
(per ºC (0-100 ºC): 0.00395
Properties
- High melting point (2477° C)
- Low density. At 8.57g/cm3
- High ductility at room temperature
- Radiation resistance
Uses
- Superconductor
- Aerospace applications
- Structural elements in nuclear reactors
- Medical equipment and tools
Forms
- Plate and sheet
- Powder
- Bar and rod
- Alloys