Tantalum in Aerospace

Tantalum should be considered wherever corrosion is a factor and long-term benefits of reduced downtime, increased life expectancy and profitability is important. For many applications, Tantalum is the only reasonable choice.
Tantalum is the most corrosion-resistant metal in common use today. It is inert to practically all organic and inorganic compounds.
Tantalum is a refractory metal, which means it has high melting points and excellent resistance to heat and wear. Its material properties, such as corrosion resistance, make it highly valued in industries where materials are exposed to extreme environments. The following key properties make tantalum and its alloys ideal for numerous industrial applications:

• Corrosion Resistance: Tantalum is highly resistant to acids and corrosion, making it suitable for use in harsh chemical environments like chemical processing plants.
• High Melting Point: With a melting point of approximately 3,017°C, tantalum retains its strength even at high temperatures, making it ideal for aerospace and energy applications.
• Biocompatibility: Tantalum is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for medical devices and implants.
• Tantalum Hardness: On the Mohs scale, tantalum has a hardness of 6.5, meaning it offers good mechanical strength and durability while being malleable for shaping and forming into alloys.

These properties allow tantalum alloys to thrive in demanding applications, especially in sectors like aviation and energy, where reliability and performance are paramount.