Niobium high temperature alloy applications

A large part of the world's niobium is used to produce nickel-, chromium- and iron-based high-temperature alloys, either as pure metal or in the form of high-purity ferroniobium and niobium-nickel alloys. These alloys are used in jet engines, gas turbine engines, rocket components, turbochargers and heat-resistant combustion equipment.Niobium forms a γ'' phase state in the grain structure of high temperature alloys. These alloys generally contain up to 6.5% niobium.

C-103, a niobium alloy containing 89% niobium, 10% hafnium and 1% titanium, is used in liquid rocket propulsion nozzles, such as the main engine of the Apollo lunar module. The Apollo Service Module used another niobium alloy.Because niobium begins to oxidize above 400°C, a protective coating is applied to its surface to prevent it from becoming brittle.