What does the symbol Nb represent in chemistry? Well, it is an element named Niobium with atomic number 41. It is a ductile transition metal of light greyish color. It derived its name from "Niobe," the daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology. Niobe was the Greek Goddess of tears. Because of its similar chemical

properties as that of tantalum, the name of this metal was given. Its exclusive properties make it desirable for industrial use. Let us move to some of the interesting facts and applications of Spherical Niobium Powder.

 

Facts

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In 1801, Charles Hatchett found this element. In 1949, the official name of this element was given.

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Brazil and Canada are the primary producers of Niobe, according to the US Geological Survey. The survey concluded that this is the element found in the earth's crust that can last up to 500 years.

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It has approximately 18 known isotopes.

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It is silvery-white in color with high strength and high thermal conductivity. Moreover, it is corrosion resistant and shows superconductivity properties.

 

Applications

 

·        Alloying agent

It is used as an alloying agent in the steel industry. Low alloy steels are made from it is highly durable and possesses good strength. Because of its property of being highly resistant to heat, it is also called a refractory metal. In addition to the steel industry, these alloys are also used in automobile parts and gas pipelines. Some superalloys of this metal are – Inconel alloy 625, Inconel X750. For instance, you can look for quality products here https://www.samaterials.com/pure-niobium/1310-niobium-metal-powder-spherical.html, where the production and sale of the niobium products is gaining popularity along with its applications. 

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The alloy of tungsten, Nb, and copper is used for arc-welding rods.

·        Jewelry

Who does not want to look good with the combination of shiny jewelry? Now, this element can get oxidized, which leads to anodization. This anodizing helps make lustrous jewelry like a chain, necklace, earrings, nose stud, etc. Furthermore,

It helps in body piercing also.

 

·        3D printing

There is a tech revolution in the form of 3D printing. As it has a high melting point, high thermal and electrical conductivity, the powder of this element is used in 3D printing to produce complex shapes by DMLS that is direct metal laser sintering.

 

·        Superconductor

Due to its superconducting properties, it is used as a magnet in MRI scanners and NMR equipment. Niobium-titanium nitride is used as an implant for knee-joint surgery. Its oxides help in increasing the refractive index when added to the glass, thereby helping in making thinner lenses(corrective glasses).

 

·        Electroceramics

As a lithium niobate, it is used in electrical appliances, for instance – in mobiles or optical modulators.

 

·        Numismatics

Are you a lover of collecting old currency? This metal is previously used in commemorating coins, especially gold and silver coins. In 2011, the coin of this metal called "Hunter's moon" was produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

 

Be it jewelry, 3D printing, or electroceramics. We came to know that this element has a wider reach. So why not use this product and its extensive applications to

get the best output?