Tantalum (metal element)

Tantalum (metal element)

Tantalum is a kind of steel gray metal with chemical symbol TA. It has very high corrosion resistance. It does not react with hydrochloric acid, concentrated nitric acid and aqua regia under cold and hot conditions.

Tantalum mainly exists in tantalite and coexists with niobium. Tantalum has moderate hardness and ductility, and can be drawn into thin wires to make thin foil. The coefficient of thermal expansion is very small. Tantalum has excellent chemical properties and high corrosion resistance. It can be used to make evaporators, electrodes, rectifiers and electrolytic capacitors of electronic tubes. Used medicinally to make thin sheets or threads to repair damaged tissue. Although the corrosion resistance of tantalum is very strong, its corrosion resistance is due to the formation of a stable protective film of tantalum pentoxide.