Tantalum (UNS R05200 / R05400)
Tantalum is one of the most chemically inert and heat-resistant metals on the periodic table. As a refractory metal, it possesses a melting point of 2,996°C, surpassed only by tungsten and rhenium. Its most remarkable feature is the spontaneous formation of a dense, protective oxide layer that makes it almost completely immune to corrosion by acids—including aqua regia—at temperatures below 150°C.
At Aries Alloys, we specialize in sourcing and supplying Tantalum for environments where even the most advanced "Super Stainless" steels fail. It is the definitive material for high-purity chemical processing, capacitor manufacturing, and biocompatible medical devices.
Key Performance Benefits
- Unrivaled Acid Resistance: Virtually unaffected by sulfuric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids. It is often used as a more durable alternative to glass-lining in chemical reactors.
- Extreme Thermal Stability: Maintains mechanical integrity at temperatures where most metals would soften or melt.
- Superior Biocompatibility: Tantalum is completely non-reactive to body fluids and is "osseointegrative," meaning bone can actually grow onto its surface.
- High Dielectric Constant: Forms an extremely thin, stable oxide layer with high capacitance, making it essential for miniaturized electronics.
- Excellent Ductility: Unlike many other refractory metals, Tantalum is highly ductile and can be easily drawn into fine wire or formed into complex shapes at room temperature.
Technical Profile & Composition
The Refractory Nature:
Tantalum belongs to the refractory group due to its extreme resistance to heat and wear. It has a high density (16.6 g/cm^3) and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. It is often alloyed with Tungsten (e.g., Ta-10W) to further increase its strength in high-temperature vacuum furnace applications.
Mechanical & Physical Data:
- Melting Point: 5425°F (2996°C)
- Density: 16.65 g/cm^3
- Thermal Expansion: 6.3 μm/m·K
- Standard Grades: R05200 (Electron-beam melted), R05400 (Sintered), and R05252 (Ta-2.5W).
Primary Industrial Use Cases
Aries Alloys supplies Tantalum for the most sensitive and aggressive applications:
- Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers, bayonet heaters, vessel liners, and thermowells handling highly corrosive hot acids.
- Electronics: High-performance capacitors for smartphones, automotive electronics, and military-grade hardware.
- Medical Implants: Bone screws, prosthetic joints, cranial repair plates, and vascular stents.
- Aerospace & Defense: Rocket engine nozzles, shaped charge liners, and high-temperature furnace components.
- Laboratory Equipment: Crucibles and evaporating dishes for high-purity metallurgical research.
Product Availability at Aries Alloys
- Wire & Rod: Precision-drawn wire for capacitors and medical leads; rods for machining chemical fasteners.
- Sheet & Foil: Ultra-thin foils for electronics and protective sheets for chemical vessel cladding.
- Tubing: Seamless tubing for high-efficiency heat exchangers in acid service.
- Custom Machined Parts: We can supply finished components like nuts, bolts, and specialized lab hardware.