Introduction
Niobium is a soft, stretchable transition metal whose oxide, niobium pentoxide, forms a stable protective layer similar to aluminium oxide and zinc oxide, effectively preventing corrosion. When added to stainless steel, niobium improves resistance to high-temperature brittleness, reduces overheating sensitivity, and enhances the strength, toughness, and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
Niobium plate features a small thermal neutron absorption cross section, excellent corrosion resistance, and high strength at high temperatures. These properties make it suitable for use as a structural material in nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel cladding, and as an additive for nuclear fuel.
In addition, niobium exhibits a high superconducting transition temperature, and its compounds and alloys are widely used in superconducting materials.
| Type | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foil | 0.03–0.09 | 30–150 | <2000 |
| Sheet | 0.1–0.5 | 30–600 | 30–2000 |
| Plate | 0.5–10 | 50–1000 | 50–2000 |
| Grade | Main Component | Other Impurities (≤ %) |
|---|---|---|
| Nb | Fe | |
| Nb1 | Remainder | 0.004 |
| Nb2 | Remainder | 0.01 |
Chemical Industry – corrosion-resistant equipment, electroplating anodes
Aerospace and Aviation – high-temperature structural parts
Nuclear Industry – reactor internal components, fuel cladding materials
Electronics and Superconductivity – superconducting magnets, thin-film deposition
Medical Equipment – biocompatible components and devices
Jewellery and Consumer Electronics – decorative and high-purity applications