Tantalum is very attractive as the base element of the alloy because of its tolerance to interstitial elements and reasonable elastic modulus. Tantalum is also easy to realize inert gas tungsten arc welding (GTA), so it is suitable for manufacturing a variety of chemical equipment, play its corrosion resistance. For example, in the manufacture of various heat exchangers, coils, condensers, cooling tubes and plug-in heaters, tantalum plates of standard size of 1.2 m ×3.7 m ×0.9 mm have been made into steel, copper and aluminum linings by explosive connection process. Large and relatively cheap chemical equipment can be made from this material. The so-called explosive connection is commonly referred to as explosive forming, explosive welding. This is a method of metal connection or processing using high energy released by explosive in a very short time, which can realize large area welding or composite between substrate and cover (cover) layer, and it is an effective method to play a relatively low cost of substrate, contact resistance of the cover layer, high temperature resistance and other special functions. In addition, some of the high temperature chemical reactions under vacuum, special glass compatibilization is often carried out in the cyanosis. Tantalum also resists the corrosion of some liquid metals and is used in contact with liquid sodium at 1375℃.
Tantalum alloying or E-base alloy preparation is usually carried out by electron beam furnace. In order to obtain homogeneous ingot smelting and purification in the electron beam furnace, vacuum arc remelting (VAR) is performed. All tantalum and tantalum alloy products are cast by electron beam furnace. Whether vacuum arc remelting is used at the same time depends on the use of the product.
Tantalum alloy has the lowest ductile-brittle transition temperature (-196℃), good low temperature plasticity, small work hardening coefficient and excellent high temperature strength. It is an ideal structural material for working at 1600-1800℃. At present, Ta-W and Ta-B alloy systems have been formed, which are mostly used to manufacture parts and components of aerospace industry and space nuclear power system.
Current annual global consumption of tantalum > is about 900 tons. The electronics industry is the largest and most promising application area for tantalum, accounting for an estimated 66% of total consumption. The second application area is the cutting tool industry, which accounts for 22 per cent of total consumption. Tantalum, as a high temperature strengthening additive for superalloys, accounts for 6% of the total consumption. 3% of tantalum and tantalum alloys are used in valves, heat exchangers and plug-in heaters in chemical industry. As a biomaterial button, it has excellent compatibility with human body fluids. The use of tantalum U-shaped nails in thoracic surgery is used to close blood vessels and arteries without allergic reaction. The use of tantalum U-shaped nails in craniotomy is used to close holes in the skull and other medical fields accounts for about 1% of tantalum consumption. The other 2% is for military purposes.
