How Tantalum Is Used as a Superconductor

Azo Materials published an interview with Cristian Cretu of H.C. Starck Fabricated Products about how metals like niobium and tantalum are used in superconducting applications. H.C. Starck supplies niobium and tantalum for low temperature superconductor wire manufacturing.

As quoted in the interview:

Tantalum’s unique combination of properties make it the primary choice in key electronic applications like capacitors, microchips and others. The chemical processing industry utilizes its high corrosion resistance in heat exchangers, reactors and other equipment for handling hot, concentrated acids. Compared with these two main market segments, the volume of Ta used in superconductors is relatively small.

When compared with the other main applications, including as an alloying element in steel and a variety of other alloys, numismatics, optics or nuclear power generation, Nb usage in superconductors also represents a small percentage of the total market.

Click here to read the full interview from Azo Materials.