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Niobium powder in spherical morphology offers unique benefits for various applications requiring a combination of high strength, corrosion resistance, superconductivity, and other specialized properties. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of polvo esférico de niobio covering composition, properties, manufacturing, grades, specifications, applications, pricing, suppliers, pros/cons, and other details.

Overview of Spherical Niobium Powder

Spherical niobium powder consists of small near-perfect spherical particles composed of niobium metal with a typical purity above 99%. The spherical shape improves flow and packing density compared to angular powder.

Key properties that make spherical niobium powder useful include:

  • High strength and modulus
  • Excelente resistencia a la corrosión
  • Low coefficient of friction
  • Superconductivity at low temperatures
  • Thermal shock resistance
  • Biocompatibility and non-toxicity

Fine spherical niobium powder is used in thermal spray coatings, capacitors, superconductors, additive manufacturing, biomedical implants and other advanced applications. This guide covers composition, properties, manufacturing, specifications, grades, and applications of spherical niobium powder products.

polvo esférico de niobio
Spherical Niobium Powder 3

Composition of Spherical Niobium Powder

Niobium, also known as columbium, is a refractory transition metal with atomic number 41. Commercial niobium powder typically has the following impurity limits:

ElementoComposition by Weight
Niobio (Nb)99.8% minimum
Oxygen (O)2000 ppm max
Nitrógeno (N)100 ppm max
Carbono (C)500 ppm max
Hydrogen (H)100 ppm max
Hierro (Fe)200 ppm max
Tantalum (Ta)1000 ppm max
Tungsteno (W)100 ppm max

High purity is required for many niobium applications. More stringent grades have purity of 99.99% or higher. Oxygen and nitrogen are controlled since they can embrittle niobium.

Propiedades de Niobio esférico en polvo

Key properties of spherical niobium powder include:

PropiedadDescripción
Densidad8.57 g/cm3
Punto de fusión2468°C
Conductividad térmica53.7 W/m-K (at 20°C)
Resistividad eléctrica12.4-14 μΩ-cm (at 20°C)
Módulo de Young105 GPa
Resistencia a la tracción200-400 MPa
Alargamiento20-45%
Resistencia a la corrosiónExcellent resistance to many acids and oxidizing media
Superconducting Temperature9.2 K

The properties make it suitable for uses needing strength, conductivity, and corrosion resistance.

Manufacturing Process of Spherical Niobium Powder

Spherical niobium powder is produced using gas atomization, an advanced powder metallurgy process with the following steps:

EscenarioDescripción
FundiciónHigh purity niobium is induction melted in a vacuum or inert gas
AtomizaciónThe melt stream is atomized with an inert gas into fine droplets
SolidificaciónThe droplets rapidly solidify into spherical powder particles as they cool
ColecciónThe spherical powder is collected in a chamber below the nozzle
ScreeningParticles are sieved to the desired size ranges

Atomization parameters are controlled to achieve the particle size distribution, flow characteristics, apparent density, and purity required. The inert gas prevents oxidation.

Sizes and Size Distribution of Spherical Niobium Powder

Spherical niobium powders are available in various size distributions categorized by standard mesh sizes:

Luz de mallaParticle Size (μm)
-325Less than 44
-23044-63
-17063-90
-14090-125
-100125-149
-325+50015-44
-230+27063-74

Typical size distributions maintain a coefficient of variation under 30% for consistent particle sizes. Smaller sizes below 10 μm can be produced with special atomization techniques.

Grades of Spherical Niobium Powder

Spherical niobium powder is available in a range of purity levels and specifications:

GradoPurity (%)Oxygen (ppm)Carbon (ppm)
Grado A99.81200400
Grado B99.9800300
Grado C99.95500200
Grade D99.9910050

Higher grades like Grade D offer enhanced purity and lower interstitial impurity levels required for specialty applications.

Applications of Spherical Niobium Powder

Key applications using spherical niobium powder include:

IndustriaAplicaciones
ElectrónicaMultilayer ceramic capacitors, superconductor films
RevestimientosThermal spray coatings, surface enhancement
QuímicaHydrogen storage, catalysts, batteries
FabricaciónMoldeo por inyección de metales, fabricación aditiva
MédicoImplants, radiopaque markers
AeroespacialRocket nozzles, combustion chambers

The optimized particle shape improves packing density and performance in sintering, thermal spraying, printing, and composites manufacturing.

Global Suppliers of Spherical Niobium Powder

Some of the major global suppliers of spherical niobium powder include:

CompañíaUbicación
H.C. StarckGermany, US
CBMMBrazil
Jien NíquelChina
Japan New Metals CoJapón
Micron MetalesUS
TaeguTecCorea del Sur

Reputable manufacturers produce spherical niobium powder to high standards matching application requirements. Some offer additional services like thermal spray coatings.

Pricing of Niobio esférico en polvo

Spherical niobium powder costs range based on purity, particle size, distribution, quantity, and manufacturer:

  • Pureza: 99.8% grades – $50-80/lb, 99.9% grades – $60-100/lb, 99.99% grades – $150-300/lb
  • Tamaño de las partículas: Prices increase for smaller sizes below 44 μm
  • Cantidad: Bulk discounts at order volumes above 25-50 lbs
  • Fabricante: Premiums for high end grades from top manufacturers

Contact established niobium suppliers for an exact price based on your specifications and quantity.

polvo esférico de niobio
Spherical Niobium Powder 4

Pros and Cons of Spherical Niobium Powder

Ventajas

  • High strength and hardness
  • Excelente resistencia a la corrosión
  • Low friction coefficient
  • High thermal shock resistance
  • Superconducting properties
  • Biocompatible for medical uses
  • Spherical shape improves packing and flow

Desventajas

  • High cost compared to other metals
  • Brittle with low ductility when cold
  • Requires inert processing due to reactivity
  • Limited global supply and production
  • Oxides negatively impact performance
  • Difficult to machine in solid form

preguntas frecuentes

Q: What is the difference between spherical and irregular niobium powder?

A: Spherical powder has a near-perfect rounded shape compared to angular or irregular powder. This improves flow, packing density, and performance in applications like thermal spraying.

Q: What particle size is best for thermal spray coatings?

A: For most thermal spray processes, sizes from -170 mesh to -325 mesh (44 to 125 μm) work well. Finer sizes below 10 μm can be used for suspension or solution precursor plasma spraying.

Q: Is niobium powder flammable or explosive?

A: Niobium powder is not flammable or explosive on its own but fine powders can form explosive dust clouds when dispersed. Inert gas processing is recommended.

Q: Is spherical niobium powder toxic?

A: Niobium metal has very low toxicity and is considered safe for human contact or implantable medical devices. Handling precautions are advised.

Q: How is spherical niobium powder stored and handled?

A: Inert gas sealing and dry storage is recommended. Tightly sealed containers prevent oxygen and moisture absorption which can degrade the powder properties.

Conclusión

With its optimized spherical morphology and purity, spherical niobium powder provides enhanced performance in electronics, coatings, manufacturing, chemical, biomedical and other critical applications.

When matched to specifications, spherical niobium powder delivers improved flow, packing density, strength, and conductivity needed for next-generation technologies and processes while maintaining niobium’s inherent corrosion resistance.

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