Niobium

Niobium (Nb) is a chemical element with atomic number 41. It is a shiny metal that is soft when pure and easily shaped (ductile). It belongs to the refractory metals, meaning its melting point is very high.

The element was formerly called 'columbium' (Cb), particularly in North America, until the name 'niobium' was officially adopted in the 20th century. Both names coexisted for some time, and some metal manufacturers still use the older term.

Chemical properties

Niobium is located in group 5 of the periodic table, between vanadium and tantalum. Tantalum shares very similar properties, making it difficult to separate the two metals. In air it forms a protective oxide layer; because of this it resists certain acids under normal conditions.

Uses

The largest use of niobium is in alloys, especially high-strength HSLA steels designed for pipelines, tubes, and automobiles. Small amounts of niobium increase the strength of steel without adding weight. It is also used in superalloys for aircraft engines.

Alloys such as niobium-titanium and niobium-tin are superconductors at very low temperatures. They are made into strong wires used in medical imaging machines (MRI) and physics research equipment. They are also used in certain implants and medical devices, as the body does not easily reject them.

Production

The main ores are pyrochlore and columbite. Global production is highly concentrated in a few countries, with Brazil long dominating the market and Canada as another major producer. Because of this concentration, many countries classify niobium as a strategically important material.