Abstract
Niobium and tantalum—two refractory metals with unique properties that dictate a number of high performance applications—are often used in areas where long range cost effectiveness becomes a primary consideration. By illustrating some of niobium and tantalum’s similarities, and by contrasting some of their differences, this paper provides some interesting and new insights into the metals themselves. It is intended as a guide to metallurgists, applications engineers and others concerned with finding long range solutions to specialized and highly demanding materials selection problems.
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References
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Additional information
Robert W. Balliett received his M.S. in mechanical metallurgy from Carnegie-Mellon in 1972. He is currently employed with NRC Inc. in Newton, Massachusetts. Mr. Balliett is also a member of TMS.
Michael Coscia received his M.S. in chemical engineering from Northeastern University in 1978. He is currently employed with NRC Inc. in Newton, Massachusetts.
Frank J. Hunkeler received his Sc.D. in metallurgy and materials science in 1968 from MIT. He is currently employed with NRC Inc. in Newton, Massachusetts. Dr. Hunkeler is also a member of TMS.
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Balliett, R.W., Coscia, M. & Hunkeler, F.J. Niobium and Tantalum in Materials Selection. JOM 38, 25–27 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03258681
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03258681