What is Ferro niobium?

Ferro niobium is an important iron niobium alloy, with a niobium content of 60-70%. It is the main source for niobium alloying of HSLA steel and covers more than 80% of the world wide niobium production.
The niobium is mined from pyrochlore deposits and is subsequently transformed into the niobium pentoxide Nb2O5. This oxide is mixed with iron oxide and aluminium and is reduced in the an aluminothermic reaction to niobium and iron.
Ferro Niobium imparts a doubling of strength and toughness as well as weight reduction due to its grain refining attributes in carbon and HSLA steels. The main first use industries for Ferro Niobium are in carbon pipelines, construction and automobiles. It is also added to stainless steel to stop embrittlement after welding.
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