The main materials of niobium deposit are iron (manganese) niobium, etc. The extraction of niobium mainly includes the process of differentiation concentrate, separation tantalum niobium, preparation of compound and metal, essence and so on. The ore can be differentiated by differentiation, melting and chlorination. Tantalum niobium separation can be achieved by solvent extraction (common extractants are methyl isobutyl ketone, tributyl phosphate, sec-octyl alcohol and acetamide, etc.), fractional crystallization and ion exchange. The industrial production methods of metal niobium include carbon thermal reduction, sodium thermal reduction and aluminum thermal reduction.
Niobium has many advantages such as corrosion resistance, good cold working function and good electrical function of oxide film. Niobium is used as a steel additive in the form of niobium to produce carbon steel and high-strength low-alloy steel. The primary effect of niobium in steel is to control the size and dispersion of desoluble niobium carbide to achieve the abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, grain refinement and then improve the function of steel. Adding niobium in cast iron can distinguish the tough and wear-resistant niobium phase of carbon nitride, and then improve the strength and extended service life. Niobium and niobium alloys can be used as high temperature resistant structural materials for spacecraft and their re-entry into the atmosphere, for atomic reactors, as well as for acid resistant equipment, heat exchangers and heaters for the petroleum and chemical industries. Superalloys containing niobium, nickel and cobalt can be used to make parts for jet engines. Niobium is an alloy or metallic compound of titanium, tin, zirconium, aluminum and germanium. Lithium niobate is an excellent piezoelectric crystal used in color TV filter and radar delay line. Niobium carbide can be used to make super hard objects and molds. Niobium disselenide powder can be used as self-lubricating filler for electrical machinery and exterior equipment.
