2080 – 10 – What is Tantalum?

1m

Tantalum is an exotic metal commonly used in the healthcare industry. It is hard, dense, and ductile, but also easily machined – a rarity when it comes to exotic metals. As an excellent conductor of heat, tantalum has one of the highest melting points of any non-alloy metal.

Though all these characteristics are extremely desirable, with all these favorable characteristics, its corrosion resistance is its most prized feature. Tantalum is virtually immune to acidic substances below 150-Fahrenheit. It’s perfect for use in the human body. Furthermore, Tantalum is nonirritating and can bond to organic tissue. In comparison with other metals, tantalum has an elasticity closer to bones, making it ideal for use in artificial joints.

Tantalum is also used in electrical components, as it’s particularly well-suited for use in car stereos and cellphones. Often, Tantalum is included as one of many elements in a superalloy.