Niobium

Niobium

Niobium (Nb) is a ductile, grey-white transition metal known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high melting point, and superconducting properties at cryogenic temperatures. It has a melting point of 2477 °C and exhibits a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure. Niobium is valued for its strength, thermal stability, and biocompatibility. It forms a stable passive oxide layer, protecting it from oxidation and chemical attack.

Goodfellow’s range of Niobium products, including Niobium Rods, Niobium Sputtering Targets, Niobium Powder, and Niobium Spooled Wire, is essential for advanced research and industrial applications. Niobium is used frequently in laboratories developing new devices and technologies for aerospace, electronics, and materials science applications. Niobium-based materials are widely used in superconducting magnets, medical devices, and semiconductor fabrication. With high-purity options and precise customization, our Niobium product range enables innovation in areas such as particle accelerators, thin-film deposition, and advanced alloys. Researchers in both academic and industrial settings rely on our Niobium offerings to support their cutting-edge technologies.



General Properties

PropertyValue
Atomic Number41
Density8.57 g/cm³
Melting Point2477 °C
Boiling Point4744 °C
Thermal Conductivity54 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity15.0 μΩ·cm
Crystal StructureBody-Centered Cubic (BCC)

Mechanical Properties

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength275–550 MPa
Yield Strength140–350 MPa
Young’s Modulus105 GPa
HardnessVickers 110–160
Elongation at Break40–60%
Poisson’s Ratio0.4

Chemical Properties

PropertyValue
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent, especially in acids and alkaline environments
ReactivityForms stable passive oxide layer (Nb2O5)
Oxidation States+3, +5 (commonly +5)
Surface OxideNiobium pentoxide (Nb2O5)
IdentifierValue
SymbolNb
Atomic Number41
CAS Number7440-03-1
UN NumberUN3089 (powder)
EINECS Number231-113-5
IsotopeTypeNotes
Nb-93StableOnly stable isotope, 100% natural abundance
Nb-94RadioactiveUsed in medical and tracer applications
Nb-95RadioactiveShort half-life, used in research

Scientific Applications

Use CaseDescription
SuperconductivityUsed in superconducting magnets and quantum devices
CryogenicsMaterial for ultra-low temperature applications
Vacuum TechnologyStable in high vacuum environments
Thin Film CoatingsUsed in thin films for electronics and optics
CatalysisCatalyst support in chemical reactions

Industrial Applications

Use CaseDescription
SuperalloysKey component in aerospace turbine blades
Medical ImplantsUsed in biocompatible implants and prosthetics
ElectronicsCapacitors and electronic components
Chemical ProcessingCorrosion-resistant reactors and piping
OpticsCoatings for lenses and mirrors
GradeDescription
99.85%Commercial grade niobium, suitable for general industrial applications and alloying
99.9%High-purity grade for aerospace alloys, electronics, and corrosion-resistant applications
99.999%Ultra-high purity niobium used in superconducting magnets, quantum devices, and advanced scientific research
Synonym
Nb
Niobium metal
Elemental Niobium
Columbium
Columbium metal
Elemental Columbium