At what temperatures is niobium powder vacuum-sintered?

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niobium processing Four one-millimetre thick samples of niobium metal foil.

Niobium powder is vacuum-sintered at temperatures ranging from 2,100 to 2,300 °C (3,800 to 4,150 °F).1

This process, which follows the pressing of the powder into "green" compacts, is performed using either direct-resistance heating or indirect heating. During sintering, the temperature is raised in stages to facilitate the evaporation of impurities and to manage the release of gases, ultimately enhancing the mechanical properties of the metal.1