Niobium and Niobium Compounds

Abstract The article contains sections titled: 1. Introduction 2. Properties 2.1. Physical Properties 2.2. Chemical Properties 3. Occurrence 4. Processing of Niobium Ores 4.1. Winning of Pyrochlore Concentrates 4.2. Treatment of Pyrochlore Concentrates 4.3. Production of Niobium Oxide from Columbites and Tantalites 4.3.1. Extraction Processes 4.3.2. Chlorination 5. Niobium Compounds 5.1. Oxides 5.2. Halides 5.3. Carbides and Hard Materials 6. Niobium Metal 6.1. Reduction of Niobium Pentoxide 6.2. Reduction of Halides 6.3. Refining 6.4. Uses 7. Ferroniobium 7.1. Production 7.2. Uses of Ferroniobium 8. Analysis 9. Economic Aspects