• In the chemical industry,
niobium is a high quality acid and liquid metal resistant material used in the manufacture of digesters, heaters, coolers, etc. In addition, niobic acid is also an important catalyst.
• Niobium is also used in the foundry industry to form hard carbides (beneficial for wear resistance) and change the shape and size of graphite sheets, and is often used in the manufacture of cylinder heads, piston rings and brake pads of automobiles. In addition, niobium is sometimes used in commemorative coins alongside gold and silver.
• Niobium is also used in the manufacture of lenses for the optical industry because it helps to increase light transmission.
• Niobium can also be used in the lighting industry, for example,
niobium alloy with 1% zirconium can be used to make precision supports for high efficiency and high strength sodium vapor street lamps, giving these small components high heat strength, excellent formability and resistance to sodium vapor corrosion.
