Tantalum for Extreme Corrosion Resistance and High-Temperature Applications
Tantalum combines exceptional corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and chemical inertness,
supporting reliable performance across chemical processing, high-purity, and critical industrial applications.
Tantalum for Extreme Corrosion Environments
Tantalum is a rare, extremely corrosion-resistant refractory metal widely used in the chemical, semiconductor, and aerospace industries. With its unmatched resistance to strong acids—including nitric, sulfuric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric acids—tantalum remains stable where most metals rapidly deteriorate. Its unique combination of corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and biocompatibility makes it indispensable for high-purity and high-reliability systems.
Key Material Properties of Tantalum
Tantalum combines exceptional corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, thermal stability, and biocompatibility—making it a critical material for demanding chemical, semiconductor, medical, and high-purity industrial applications.
High Corrosion Resistance
Tantalum offers exceptional corrosion resistance, remaining stable in almost all acids—even hot, concentrated mineral acids. Its natural Ta₂O₅ oxide layer protects against severe chemical attack, making it ideal for reactors, heat exchangers, and ultra-clean processing systems requiring long-term reliability.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Despite being a refractory metal, tantalum combines high strength with excellent ductility and workability. It supports precise forming, machining, and welding while maintaining stable mechanical and corrosion properties, making it ideal for pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and precision semiconductor components.
Heat & Oxidation Resistance
With a melting point of approximately 3,017°C, tantalum delivers exceptional thermal and oxidation stability. Its stable oxide layer minimizes deformation and degradation under extreme heat, enabling reliable performance in high-temperature acid systems, vacuum furnaces, and aerospace thermal components, including Ta-W alloy applications.
Biocompatibility
Tantalum is highly biocompatible and chemically inert, showing no corrosion or toxic ion release in bodily fluids. Its stable oxide surface supports strong tissue integration and ultra-clean performance, making it ideal for medical implants, surgical instruments, and high-purity semiconductor and pharmaceutical processing systems.
Where Tantalum Is Used
for Highly Concentrated Acids
Heat transfer in high-temperature,
highly concentrated acid environments.
& Column Linings
Internal linings for long-term corrosion resistance
in aggressive chemical processes.
& Distillation Systems
Equipment for corrosive vapors
and repeated thermal cycling.
Handling Equipment
Materials for contamination-sensitive
chemical processes.
Common Industrial Tantalum Grades
| Category | Grade | Feature | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Tantalum | Ta (R05200) | Commercially pure tantalum with exceptional corrosion resistance and good ductility | Chemical reactors, acid process equipment, heat exchangers, HCl/H₂SO₄ systems |
| Ta (R05400 High Purity) | High-purity tantalum for semiconductor & ultra-clean applications | Semiconductor wet benches, etching equipment, diffusion parts | |
| Tantalum-Niobium Alloy | Ta-2.5Nb (R05252) | Improved strength and formability while maintaining corrosion resistance | Heat exchangers, piping systems, chemical process tubing |
| Ta-10Nb (R05255) | High strength, improved thermal stability; excellent chemical resistance | Pressure vessels, acid recycle systems, aerospace components | |
| Tantalum-Tungsten Alloy (Ta-W) | Ta-W2.5 | Enhanced mechanical strength, good thermal stability | High-temp furnace parts, aerospace components |
| Ta-W10 | High-temperature strength & creep resistance; superior durability | Rocket engine components, high-temperature heat shields | |
| Refractory / High-Temperature Grades | EB-Refined Ta (Electron-Beam Melted) | Ultra-high purity, extremely low inclusions, superior stability | Semiconductor equipment, medical implant-grade components |
| Specialty Grades | Tantalum Sheet/Plate (ASTM B708) | Excellent workability, weldability, and corrosion resistance | Liners, cladding, chemical plant upgrades |
| Tantalum Tube/Rod (ASTM B365) | High formability and corrosion resistance for precision parts | Acid pipelines, medical devices, heater elements |
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
ATX provides a one-stop solution from material supply to customized fabrication, backed by over 35 years of manufacturing and processing experience in titanium and specialty non-ferrous metals.