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Tantalum (Ta)

Last updated: March 28, 2017

What Does Tantalum (Ta) Mean?

Tantalum is a ductile highly resilient metallic chemical element with the chemical symbol Ta and an atomic number of 73. Tantalum is found in a combination of rare minerals and is grey-white in color.

Tantalum is largely corrosion resistant and used extensively to protect materials prone to corrosion. This characteristic is due to an adherent oxide film in its granular structure.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Tantalum (Ta)

Tantalum is widely used in the electronics, aerospace and biochemical industries.

Some physical properties of tantalum:

  • Density: 16.6 g/cm3 (twice as dense as steel)
  • Melting point: 2,996°C (5,425°F)
  • Atomic weight: 180.948
  • Atomic number: 73
  • Specific gravity: 16.6

Tantalum has good thermal and electrical conductivity. It is immune to attack by many acids and salt solutions, making it ideal for the production of surgical equipment and radiation shielding. It is however, subject to hydrogen embrittlement in alkaline solutions. Tantalum exhibits severe oxidation; therefore, it should not be used at temperatures greater than 300°C (572°F).

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