Tantalum Products Overview

Tantalum is a rare, highly corrosion-resistant metal with remarkable physical properties. It is primarily used in electronics, aerospace, and chemical processing due to its durability, resistance to wear, and ability to maintain high performance in extreme environments. Below is an overview that covers its chemical composition, mechanical properties, applications, specifications, and general properties.

Grades of Tantalum

Tantalum is available in various grades, each with its own specifications, to suit different applications. The most common grades include:

• Grade 1 (Pure Tantalum): Highly ductile, excellent corrosion resistance, and commonly used for manufacturing thin foil and sheet products.
• Grade 2 (Standard Tantalum): Offers good ductility and is commonly used in chemical and aerospace applications where high corrosion resistance and moderate strength are required.
• Grade 5 (Tantalum with 2.5% Tungsten): This alloy offers improved strength and is typically used in applications requiring higher strength at elevated temperatures.
• Grade 7 (Tantalum with 0.12% Titanium): Improved weldability and used in applications like heat exchangers and other chemical processing equipment.
• Grade 11 (Tantalum with 0.03% Ti and 0.08% Ni): Used primarily in chemical and pharmaceutical industries for highly demanding environments where both corrosion resistance and strength are required.
• Grade 26 (Tantalum with 10% Tungsten and 3% Rhenium): This high-performance alloy is used in aerospace and other demanding high-temperature applications.

Specifications

• Pure Tantalum (Ta 99.9%): Used for high purity and corrosion resistance.
• Tantalum Alloys: Tantalum-niobium (Ta-Nb), Tantalum-tungsten (Ta-W) alloys for improved mechanical properties.
• ASTM Specifications:
  • ASTM B365 - Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire
  • ASTM F560 - Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Wire for Surgical Implants

Properties

• Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to most acids and corrosion.
• High Melting Point: 3,017 °C, making it ideal for high-temperature environments.
• High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Dense and strong, yet lightweight in alloys.
• Biocompatibility: Safe for use in medical implants and devices.

Applications

• Electronics: Capacitors for devices like smartphones and computers.
• Aerospace and Defense: Used in jet engines, rocket nozzles, and turbine blades.
• Medical Applications: Biocompatible for implants and surgical instruments.
• Chemical Processing: Used in reactors and heat exchangers in corrosive environments.
• Alloys: Used in superalloys for high-temperature applications.

Physical Properties

• Color: Blue-gray, metallic
• Density: 16.6 g/cm³
• Conductivity: Poor conductor of electricity and heat
• Corrosion Resistance: Extremely resistant to corrosion by most acids, including aqua regia

Chemical Composition

• Chemical Symbol: Ta
• Atomic Number: 73
• Atomic Mass: 180.94788 u
• Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁰ 6s²
• Group: 5 (Transition Metal)
• Density: 16.69 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 3,017 °C (5,463 °F)
• Boiling Point: 5,458 °C (9,863 °F)

Mechanical Properties of Tantalum Products