Niobium in the steel industry

About 85% to 90% of the world's niobium is used in steel production in the form of ferro-niobium. By adding only 0.03% to 0.05% niobium to steel, the yield strength of steel can be increased by more than 30%. Niobium can also induce precipitation and control the cooling rate to achieve a diffuse distribution of precipitates, adjusting the toughness level of steel in a wide range. Therefore, the addition of niobium to steel can not only improve the strength of steel, but also improve the toughness of steel, high-temperature oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance, reduce the brittle transition temperature of steel, so that the steel has a good welding performance and molding properties.