Niobium (Nb) is a silver gray refractory metal with core advantages such as a melting point of 2468 ℃, low-temperature superconductivity (critical temperature of 9.2K), corrosion resistance (only soluble in hydrofluoric acid), and both ductility and high-temperature strength.
Key applications:
Superconducting/Medical: Niobium alloy superconducting magnets (used for nuclear magnetic resonance and fusion), ⁹⁰ Nb for treating lymphoma;
Aerospace: C-103 alloy rocket nozzle, satellite thermal protection layer (adopted by Apollo 11);
Nuclear energy/industry: Niobium zirconium alloy is used as a nuclear reactor component, and adding steel can increase strength by 30% (used in automobiles, oil and gas pipelines).
Niobium is a key material for high-end manufacturing.