REDUCTION OF NIOBIUM COMPOUNDS BY METAL REDUCTANTS

The reduction of niobium pentoxide and niobium trichloride by calcium and magnesium has been studied. The available niobium compounds varied both in origin and composition, and thus a systematic study of the process was not possible. However, the results obtained indicate that ductile nlobium can be produced from pure niobium pentoxide or niobium trichloride by calcium reduction. (auth)