| Material |
Material Characteristics |
| Niobium |
Also known as
columbium, niobium has good resistance to chemical
corrosion and has been used in applications where the
extreme inertness of tantalum is not required and economy
is important. Niobium is commonly alloyed with tungsten
and tantalum to produce metals with excellent mechanical
properties at high temperatures. When alloyed with
titanium, niobium becomes useful in applications in the
field of superconductors. As a result of its 2468°C
melting point, niobium is classified as a refractory
metal |
| Platinum |
The
platinum group of metals have many diverse uses in both
high technology and commercial products. Some
applications include electrical contacts, catalysts,
glass sealing, thermocouple and resistance thermometer
elements, electrodes, furnace windings, dental alloys, as
well as water purification and food processing equipment.
Platinum is classified as a precious metal. |
| Indium |
Indium
is a semi-precious non-ferrous metal. It is silvery white
with a brilliant metallic luster. In its pure state it is
very soft and will stay workably ductile at low
temperatures. Indium imparts desirable characteristics to
solders, lubricants, seals, and electrical conductors.
When alloyed with other metals it can make them harder,
stronger and more resistant to fatigue, tarnishing or
alkaline corrosion, while increasing the material's
thermal and electrical conductivity. |
| Tungsten |
Used
in a variety of lamp, electronic tube and electronic
furnace applications, tungsten wire is supplied in a
cleaned and straightened non-sagging condition or alloyed
with thoria or rhenium. Pure tungsten's melting point is
3410°C which is the highest of all metallic elements.
Tungsten's extremely high tensile properties make it
attractive for a variety of high temperature mechanical
applications. Tungsten is classified as a refractory
metal. |
| Rhenium |
As
a result of rhenium's unique physical, electrical and
thermal properties it is widely used in hundreds of
commercial and aerospace applications. Specific
applications include electronic tube components,
electrical contacts, thermionic converters,
thermocouples, heating elements and rocket thrusters.
Classified as a refractory metal by virtue of its 3180°C
melting temperature, rhenium exhibits a unique group of
properties when alloyed with tungsten or molybdenum at
both room temperature and under cryogenic conditions. |
| Tantalum |
As
a result of being a reactive material, tantalum cannot be
used in the atmosphere above 500°C as it readily reacts
with oxygen. A protective atmosphere of argon,helium or a
vacuum must be provided above 500°C. Specific
applications include electrodes, filament supports and
anodes. When compared with metals other than platinum or
gold, tantalum provides excellent resistance to an
extreme wide range of corrosive substances. Tantalum is
classified as a refractory metal. |
|
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