Exotic Metals

Tantalum, Niobium, Titanium, Molybdenum and Zirconium including their alloys with other metals are minerals we can call Exotic Metals. They all have white or silver-white color. This is not the entire list of exotic and rare minerals on the earth; however these are the most used exotic metals in the industry. There are several manufacturers producing: Rod/Bar, Sheet/Plate, Strip/Coil, Wire, tube, pipes, fittings, and fasteners such as bolts, nuts and screws as well as anodes for electro-dialysis made from exotic metals. Chemical processing industry such as production of organic and inorganic acids, strong alkalies and other highly corrosive substances are the major applications for exotic metals.

Use of Zirconium and its alloys with Hafnium and Niobium as a structural material are based on their high durability to corrosive environments, increased strength and formability. The exclusive corrosion resistance of this and other exotic metals can extend far behind the life time of the plant where it was employed. Tantalum has a very high corrosive resistance and therefore is excellent in severe environments like chemical industry and high temperature technologies. The oxide film being developed on the surface of the metal prevents from further corrosion. It has a corrosion resistance as high as glass.

In some applications Niobium can be substituted for Tantalum. Niobium (also known as Columbium) is a highly ductile metal with good high temperature properties. Its major use is as a stainless steel alloying agent. The next exotic metal is Molybdenum having similar to Tantalum properties but is harder and has a higher melting point. Also, Molybdenum has a highest elastic modulus and therefore has high demand in military industry. It is also used in chemical production as a catalyst for polymerization.