Tantalizing is a thermo-chemical diffusion process used to provide corrosion resistance to metals in highly corrosive environments.
The process puts a uniform layer of tantalum onto the surface of the substrate, allowing it to act with the same properties as pure tantalum metal. When the tantalum reacts with oxygen, it forms a tantalum oxide layer, Ta2O5, that is inert to all acids except hydrofluoric acid, hot sulfuric acid, and hot alkaline solutions. The coating is also inert in the human body, making it biocompatible. It adheres well to bone and can be used as a radiographic marker.
Typical materials that may be treated include stainless steels, titanium, and nickel alloys among others. Possible applications exist in the chemical processing, energy, food, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries.
Applications:
- Valves
- Tube fittings
- Cam and groove couplings
- Pump impellers
- Flanges and pipe fittings
- Static mixers
- Agitators and stirrers
- Heat exchangers
- Joint implants
- Fasteners
- Spinal implants
- Dental implants
- Stents
Characteristics:
- Corrosion resistant
- Biocompatible
- Osseointegrative
- Radiographic
- Non-line-of-sight process
- High bond strength
- Uniform, pore-free structure
- High ductility
- Thickness up to 0.002″
