Niobium is chemical element number 41 and has the symbol Nb. It is a rare, soft grey, ductile metal with properties similiar to Tantalum.
It is used mainly in special steel alloys, such as those used in gas lines, in extremely small quantities, usually 0.1% maximum.
Niobium is also used in temperature stability critical compnents, such as jet and rocket engines. It is also present in various super conductor materials, specialised welding, electronics, optics and jewellery.
It is used in stainless steel to improve and refine the grain, and to retard recrystalisation and precipitation hardening. This is turn increases toughness, strength, formability and weldability.
Niobium is seldom seen in knife blades.
Precautions:
Solid material will ignite under heat, but powdered Niobium may auto or spontaneously ignite at room temperature. DO NOT use water or Carbon Dioxide to extinguish! Use Dolomite, Dry Powder for metal, or sand, graphite or salt.
Niobium dust may also irritate the skin and eyes.
