First PIM of Pure Niobium

A research team based at Penn State University has developed a Powder Injection Molding process for Pure Niobium (Ni) powder. Gaurav Aggarwal, a doctoral candidate at the Engineering Science and Mechanics department at the university and a key member of the research team has been instrumental in conceptualizing and developing this process.

Niobium finds applications as a steel alloying element, nuclear industry, superalloys for jet engine componets, superconductors and as a biomaterial. However, because of its physical properties, pure Niobium powder processing is not an easy task. This new process could provide a deeper insight into possible applications of Niobium as a biomaterial.

More details about this process and its benefits could be read in this ScienceDaily article.