Why is niobium expensive?
Is niobium hard or soft?
Niobium is a relatively soft and ductile metal. Its hardness is similar to pure titanium and has a relatively low hardness compared to many other metals. This softness and ductility make niobium relatively easy to process, allowing it to be formed into a variety of shapes and structures to suit different applications.
Why is niobium used in steel?
Niobium is used in steel production because it increases the strength, toughness and formability of steel. When added to steel in small amounts, niobium forms carbides that refine the steel’s grain structure and inhibit grain growth as the steel cools. This modification can improve mechanical properties such as increased strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and fatigue. In addition, niobium can improve the weldability and heat-affected zone properties of steel, making it a valuable alloying element in a variety of steel applications, including automotive components, pipes, construction materials, and high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels.