Abstract

Niobium, also known as columbium, is used primarily as an alloy addition to steels. Ferroniobium and nickel-niobium are the most frequently used alloys. Niobium is also vital to the formation of superalloys, and its compounds find use in nuclear fuel rods, optical glass, as ferroelectrics, semiconductors, and in superconducting material. Of primary interest is the stability of niobium metal and its alloys to corrosion. The occurrence, extraction, refining, and metallurgy of niobium is described. The analytical procedures for determination of niobium and its impurities are discussed. The primary niobium compounds, which range from the refractory borides and carbides through the ferroelectric salts of niobic acid, are presented.