Tantalum’s Great Performance in Resistance to Corrosion

In certain specific aggressive environment some material resists corrosion attack. That is called the Corrosion resistance property of that particular metal. There are material like tantalum, titanium and zirconium which are highly corrosion resistant. So these metals are the first choice whenever great corrosion resistance is required.

The distinct feature of high corrosion resistant of tantalum powder and its alloy actually comes from the protective oxide film on the metal surface which is quite dense, stable and highly adherent. The naturally occurring oxide coating does not allow the metal to get contaminated with the chemical attack. At higher temperature the metal behaves like a high corrosion resistant metal while under lower conditions, a less resistance can be acceptable. There are only a very few organic as well as inorganic substances exists in the earth which is capable of attacking titanium. The high Corrosion resistance property coupled with an outstanding weldability and formability facilitates a wide range of purposes like the application in radiation shielding, reaction vessels, heat exchangers, implants, furnace construction, medical technology, capacitor and other electronic components.

Tantalum is known to be a tough, refractory metal, ductile metal, having a melting point of 5425°F. It can withstand in very high corrosion resistant environment, which no other metal can do. The main drawback of the metal is that in an open environment temperatures more than 300°C tantalum get reacted with nitrogen and oxygen.

Fortunately the industry finds the tantalum as the most corrosion resistant metal of this era. The natural formation of oxide film on the surface of the metal is the main cause of its great corrosion resistant properties. However it is inert to almost all kind of organic and inorganic substances. It is also less affected by hot strong alkali applications.

May many of us are unaware of the fact, but the high cost of titanium is the main hindrance of its extensive use in the industrial segment. It is considerably more expensive than steel alloys and aluminium applications. The process of production involved for the processing of the metal which is also very costly and labour extensive. Great amount of energy is required for the material in each segment of processing starting right from separating the metal from the ore to making the melting of ingot. Nevertheless the machining of the metal is also involves a great cost. All these factors are to be considered before selecting titanium for any application.

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