Issues and Challenges in the Preparation of Niobium for Strategic Applications

Abstract

Niobium is well known refractory metal having high melting point (2468 °C) and boiling point (4742 °C). Owing to its corrosion resistance at high temperature with relatively lower density, it is a preferred material for space applications. One of the most crucial applications of Nb has been found in aviation and aerospace industry where Nb based alloys are being used in a big way in rocket nozzles, rocket thrusters, satellite antennae, etc. In addition, Niobium in the form of powder is widely used in the fabrication of solid electrolyte capacitors. Although the reduction process is reported and commercialized, in the present paper few attempts are made to study the process parameters to obtain higher niobium yield, purity and economically viable process. It is reported that the yield of niobium depends up on the temperature, purity of niobium pent oxide, aluminum content and refractory lining thickness of crucible. Keyword: Niobium pentoxide, Aluminothermic Reduction, Refractory Lining, and Niobium.