Generally, Niobium alloys are used in applications where high strength is required at elevated temperatures. Like all reactive metals, this material oxidizes at elevated temperatures in air and must be protected by a coating. The type of coating may change with the temperature range or atmosphere encountered and should be discussed with us. The electrical properties of the material, e.g., superconductivity, are beyond the scope of these datasheets, but information on the types of alloys and fabrication methods is available on request. The niobium alloys are generally divided into three categories: low, medium, and high strength.

LOW STRENGTH
The standard of the industry is the niobium 1% zirconium alloy. It is used at temperatures of 1800-2200° F where ease of manufacture and low cost are critical or in reactor applications where the properties of the alloy are useful.

MEDIUM STRENGTH
These include C-103 (Nb-10 Hf-1 Ti) and C-129Y. C-103, which is probably the best all-around alloy on the market today, has a useful range of 1800-2400° F with good strength. Its combination of strength, excellent fabricability, and intermediate cost has made it a favorite choice of the aerospace industry.

HIGH STRENGTH
Where high strength with low density is required, two of the alloys to be considered are C-129Y and Cb-752. Although more difficult to fabricate and produce than the lower strength alloys, these alloys should be considered where higher stresses are encountered. C-129Y (Nb-10W-10Hf-.1Y) has the best welding characteristics of the high strength alloys. For even higher strength applications up to 2400° F, Wah Chang alloy C-3009 (Nb-3OHf-9W) should be considered. It must be remembered that, to obtain the higher strengths, fabricability and cost are, to an extent, sacrificed. The useful range of these alloys is 1800-3000° F.

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INDEX  •  CORROSION RESISTANCE PROPERTIES  •  FABRICATION   
NIOBIUM PRODUCTS   •  SPECIFICATIONS of NIOBIUM   
NIOBIUM ELECTRONICS APPLICATIONS