Description
Specifications Table
Product Name – Niobium slug, 6.35mm (0.25in) dia x 12.7mm (0.50in) length, Puratronic™, 99.99% (metals basis excluding Ta), Ta 300ppm
Quantity/Pack Size – 5slug, 1slug
Form – Slug
Grade – Puratronic™, 99.99% (metals basis excluding Ta), Ta 300ppm
Application – High-precision lab experiments, specialized research requiring ultra-low impurity metals
Product Overview
This Puratronic™ grade niobium slug offers exceptional purity at 99.99% (metals basis excluding tantalum), with tantalum content strictly controlled at 300ppm maximum. The slugs are precision-machined to 6.35mm (0.25in) diameter and 12.7mm (0.50in) length, providing consistent dimensions for reproducible experimental results. The ultra-high purity makes these slugs particularly valuable for applications where trace impurities could significantly impact outcomes. Niobium’s unique properties, including its superconductivity at low temperatures and excellent corrosion resistance, are preserved in this high-grade form. The material’s low thermal neutron capture cross-section further enhances its suitability for specialized applications. Each slug undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure uniformity in composition and dimensions. The Puratronic™ certification guarantees the highest available purity level for niobium, with comprehensive analysis of all potential impurities. This grade represents the pinnacle of metallic purity available for laboratory use, where even parts-per-million variations can affect experimental validity.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the 300ppm Ta specification in these niobium slugs?
The 300ppm maximum tantalum content is critical because tantalum is the most difficult impurity to separate from niobium due to their similar chemical properties. This controlled level ensures the material’s properties remain consistent with pure niobium, particularly important for applications sensitive to trace element variations.
2. How does the Puratronic™ grade differ from standard niobium?
Puratronic™ represents the highest purity grade available, with significantly lower impurity levels across all elements compared to standard grades. While standard niobium might have total impurities in the 0.1-0.5% range, Puratronic™ maintains total impurities below 0.01%, with each individual impurity tightly controlled.
3. What precautions should be taken when handling these high-purity niobium slugs?
Always use clean, non-metallic tools to prevent contamination. Store in a dry, inert atmosphere when not in use, as even finger oils can introduce contaminants. The slugs should be handled in a cleanroom environment if possible, or at minimum with powder-free nitrile gloves in a dust-controlled area.
4. Can these slugs be machined further without compromising purity?
While possible, additional machining risks introducing contaminants. If further machining is necessary, use diamond tools with proper cooling and conduct the process in a clean environment. The machined surfaces should be chemically cleaned afterward to remove any potential contaminants from the machining process.
5. What documentation is provided with these Puratronic™ niobium slugs?
Each package includes a certificate of analysis detailing the actual impurity levels for all measured elements, along with dimensional verification. The documentation follows strict traceability protocols, providing batch-specific data that meets international material certification standards.
