How is niobium used in nuclear reactor materials?

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

Niobium is utilized in nuclear reactor cores primarily due to its compatibility with uranium, its resistance to corrosion from molten alkali-metal coolants, and its low thermal-neutron cross section.1

In these applications, the metal is used either in its pure form or alloyed with zirconium to create claddings for reactor cores. Specific materials employed in various parts of nuclear reactors include pure niobium, a niobium–1-percent-zirconium alloy, and a zirconium–2.5-percent-niobium alloy. These materials are essential for maintaining structural integrity and performance within the demanding environment of a nuclear reactor.12