Tantalum Alloys Ta has the same crystal structure and identical atomic size as Nb – and the two metals have very similar chemical and mechanical properties Ta is prepared by electron beam melting and powder metallurgy – and then formed by cold working processes (similar to Nb alloys) It is unique as a bcc transition metal – because it can be cold formed at temperatures down to -200 oC

Tantalum Alloys Ta – electron beam melted – cold rolled 82% - annealed for 45 minutes at 2100 oC Recrystallized bands were caused by variation of cold work due to coarse grains

Tantalum Alloys Pure Ta has excellent resistance to reaction from body fluids and tissue – and is thus used for dental and hip prostheses Ta alloys containing 2.5-10% W – and 30% Nb + 5% V have been proposed. There is no strong motivation for their development as high temperature materials because – due to their lower strength-to-weight ratio – they are less favourable to Nb alloys for service at temperatures below 1375 oC – and less favourable than Mo alloys at temperatures above 1375 oC

Tantalum Alloys However, because pure Ta is one of the most corrosion resistant materials, it is now being deposited as Ta gas onto material surfaces that require extra-strong protection to form a thin, protective film of Ta. The attached article explains the deposition method at high temperatures and gives some applications such as the production of H, biomass to ethanol, oil & gas, etc that involve a highly corrosive environment .

The End Any questions or comments?