Tantalum in superalloys

Tantalum is a strategic alloying element that is added to nickel-base superalloys to develop higher-temperature mechanical properties, better hot corrosion resistance, and longer life. Nickel-base superalloys are the predominant materials in the so-called hot section of gas turbine engines, and comprise approximately 50% of the weight of advanced aircraft engines. Tantalum played a role in some of the original nickel-base precipitation-strengthened alloys, and is now an important constituent in single-crystal alloys. Tantalum has played a role in both polycrystalline and single crystal superalloys. However, as the technology advanced, producing new families of alloys, tantalum`s role changed too, along with the mechanism by which it enhances superalloy performance.