Products

Nb - Niobium

Nb niobium nanoparticles/nanopowder

Nb2O5 niobium oxide nanoparticles/nanopowder

NbB2 niobium boride micronpowder

NbC niobium carbide nanoparticles/nanopowder

NbN niobium nitride micronpowder

NbSi2 niobium silicide micronpowder

Niobium is a fascinating and versatile metal known for its unique properties and wide range of applications in various industries. 

Physical Characteristics

  • Appearance: Niobium is a shiny, white metal that is ductile and malleable. It can be drawn into wire or hammered into thin sheets.
  • Density: It has a density of 8.57 g/cm³, which is relatively low for metals, making it lighter than many other metals.
  • Melting Point: Niobium has a high melting point of approximately 2,468°C (4,474°F), enabling its use in high-temperature environments.
  • Conductivity: While niobium is not the best conductor of electricity, it exhibits superconductivity at extremely low temperatures (below -263°C or -441°F).
  • Corrosion Resistance: It is highly resistant to corrosion due to the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface, making it stable in air and most acids.

Applications

  1. Superconducting Magnets: One of the most significant uses of niobium is in the manufacture of superconducting alloys, particularly niobium-titanium (Nb-Ti) and niobium-tin (Nb3Sn), which are used in the magnets for MRI machines and particle accelerators.

  2. Steel Production: Niobium is added in small amounts to steel and stainless steel to improve strength, toughness, and thermal stability. These niobium-enhanced materials are used in pipelines, automotive components, and structural applications.

  3. Aerospace Industry: Due to its heat resistance and lightweight properties, niobium alloys are used in jet engines and rocket subassemblies where high temperature and strength are crucial.

  4. Electronics: Niobium is used in the manufacturing of capacitors and other electronic components due to its ability to form a dielectric oxide layer.

Compounds

  • Niobium Pentoxide (Nb2O5): This is the most stable oxide of niobium and is used in the production of special glasses and ceramics, as well as in the manufacturing of niobium metal itself.

  • Niobium Carbide (NbC): Known for its hardness, it is used in cutting tools and as an additive to improve the properties of steel.

  • Niobium Nitride (NbN): Exhibits superconducting properties and is used in electronic components and superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs).

Basics on Niobium-Wikipedia