The functions and uses of tantalum are

It can be drawn into a fine wire type of thin foil. Its coefficient of thermal expansion is very small. Tantalum has excellent chemical properties and is extremely resistant to corrosion. It can be used to make evaporating vessels, etc. It can also be used to make electrodes for electronic tubes, rectifiers, and electrolytic capacitors.

Medically it is used to make thin sheets or fine wires to mend damaged tissue. Although tantalum is highly resistant to corrosion, its corrosion resistance is due to the generation of a stable protective film of tantalum pentoxide on the surface.