Introduction
Tantalum is an important metallic chemical element with symbol Ta and atomic number 73, having a silver-grey metallic appearance and is found naturally in the Earth’s crust, which is soft and ductile and can be processed into many useful forms. Great demand for tantalum has risen recently due to a number of factors such as its non-corrosive and chemical stability, low thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and its power to form strong bonds with many other elements. It is also chemically inert, so it has become an important component in many manufacturing processes.
Tantalum is commonly used in the manufacture of a range of products; the most common being tantalum capacitors, which are used to store electrical charges in electronics circuit boards, and tantalum target bars, which are used in chemical and nuclear processes. It is also found in many consumer products, such as eyeglass frames and jewelry, as well as its application in the chemical, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Characteristics
Tantalum has some notable properties which make it a desirable material for the chemical and process industries. First of all, it is a ductile and malleable metal, meaning it is easy to shape and process into different forms. Its non-corrosive chemical stability also makes it a popular choice for use in many manufacturing processes, as it does not rust or corrode like other metals.
It also has good electrical and thermal conductivity, making it ideal for use in electrical wiring and circuits. Lastly, its high melting point makes it useful for high-temperature processes.
Tantalum Processing
Tantalum processing involves a number of steps, the first of which is the selection of the raw material. After the selection of the raw material, the next step is the extraction process, which involves removing the tantalum from the ore. This entails heating the ore and then separating the tantalum from other trace elements.
Once the tantalum has been extracted, it is purified, often with the help of chemical processes like leaching or distillation. It is then reduced to pure powder form. This powder is then processed into desired shapes through pressing and sintering techniques. Further processing may involve additional steps such as cold pressing, electropolishing, and galvanic treatment, to create a finished product for commercial use.
Common Products
The most common products made from tantalum are capacitors, which are used to store electrical charges in electronic and electrical circuit boards. These capacitors are designed to have low EEG, low volume, and high temperature resistance. Tantalum target bars are also another common product, these are used in processes like medical imaging and manufacturing.
Tantalum is also used as an alloying addition to magnesium and aluminium for improving the strength, corrosion and wear resistance in applications such as aerospace components and automotive parts.
Conclusion
Tantalum is an important metallic element which has a number of desirable characteristics such as being ductile, chemically inert and corrosion resistance. As such, it has become an important component in many industries, most notably the chemical and aerospace sectors. The processing of this metal involves a number of steps, starting off with the extraction and powdering of the ore, and then further processing depending on its intended use. It can be used to create capacitors and target bars as well as an alloying addition to stronger metals to improve their properties.
