There is a metal called tantalum in scrap metal, which is expensive. How to identify it

Tantalum metal has a low-key and mysterious steel gray appearance. If you take a closer look and touch it, you will find that it also has amazing ductility, just like a flexible "metal gymnast" who can easily change shapes. What's even more impressive is that its corrosion resistance is unparalleled, even in various acidic and alkaline environments or humid and harsh conditions, it can still maintain its composure and stick to itself.

It is precisely because of these outstanding characteristics that tantalum is able to excel in many key fields. In the field of electronics, it is the "main force" in the production of capacitors. Tantalum can be seen everywhere in those small and exquisite capacitors with super strong performance. Why does everyone love to use it? The reason is that tantalum capacitors have a small volume but strong applicability, which can be perfectly embedded in various precision electronic devices to ensure the stable operation of the equipment. The chemical industry also cannot do without it. With excellent corrosion resistance, it is made into anti-corrosion machinery and runs steadily on production lines filled with corrosive media, greatly improving production efficiency and equipment life. In the military industry, tantalum, with its high temperature resistance and moderate hardness, shoulders the responsibility of providing solid support for various advanced weapons and equipment. The medical industry has also extended an olive branch to it. Medical prostheses made of tantalum have good compatibility after implantation in the human body and can function stably for a long time, helping patients recover a healthy life.

When it comes to identifying tantalum, there are actually some tips. From the appearance, remember its unique steel gray color; Feel it with your hands and try its excellent extensibility; If conditions permit, key indicators such as high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and hardness can be identified more accurately through professional instruments. In short, the charm and value of tantalum go far beyond that. With the continuous advancement of technology, we believe it will shine in more fields and continue to contribute to human development.

Next, let's delve into the unique chemical properties of tantalum metal. Its density is as high as 16.6 grams per cubic centimeter, like a "heavyweight player" in metal, with a heavy texture far exceeding many ordinary metals. When the temperature rises to 2996 ℃, tantalum begins its melting journey. Such a high melting point allows it to maintain toughness even in high-temperature environments. Even more astonishing is that when faced with the "invasion" of ordinary hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid solution, and chloride solution, tantalum remains calm and does not react at all, firmly adhering to its purity and characteristics like Mount Tai.

With its prominent advantage of high density, tantalum has successfully taken the lead and gradually replaced platinum in many industrial production scenarios, becoming a powerful force for enterprises to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Tantalum's oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance are unparalleled, standing out in the ever-changing market environment and making it a leader among special metals. Whether it is the corrosive mist that permeates the chemical workshop or the harsh outdoor environment of wind and rain, tantalum can adapt to changes without change and maintain its own state for a long time. In the field of military production, tantalum is highly favored due to its excellent chemical properties and has become the preferred choice for capacitor production. The internal capacitance components of military equipment that are related to national security and have excellent performance have been greatly improved in stability and reliability with the support of tantalum.

The medical industry is also a stage where tantalum shines brightly. In key application scenarios such as prosthetic limb production and artificial bone implantation, tantalum exhibits unparalleled biocompatibility and can coexist harmoniously with human tissues, bringing hope to patients to restore limb function and return to normal life. It is precisely because tantalum combines numerous advantages that the market has fully recognized its recycling value.

At present, its market recycling price is stable at around 1000 yuan per kilogram, and with the continuous growth of demand and the expansion of application fields, this price is expected to steadily rise, further highlighting the preciousness and importance of tantalum.

After the detailed introduction earlier, I believe everyone has gained a preliminary understanding of the basic characteristics and wide applications of the rare metal tantalum. However, for market recycling practitioners, accurately identifying tantalum has become a tricky problem.

Don't worry, we will now share with you several effective identification methods. Firstly, the fire burning method. When we hold a high-temperature gun and aim it at the surface of a suspected tantalum metal to heat it up, if there is a peculiar phenomenon of the metal not melting for a long time, it is highly likely to be tantalum. The principle behind this is that the melting point of tantalum is extremely high, close to 3000 ℃, while the temperature of everyday firearms, even with full firepower, can usually only reach around 1500 ℃, far below the melting point of tantalum, making it difficult to melt it.

Next is the chemical testing method. Prepare common chemical solutions such as nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and dilute sulfuric acid, and place the metal to be tested into them. If the metal remains unharmed after being placed and no chemical reaction occurs, then it is highly likely to be tantalum. This is because tantalum has super strong chemical stability. Ordinary hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and dilute sulfuric acid solutions cannot dissolve it at all. Only when it encounters concentrated sulfuric acid, its surface will show slight changes, which is also one of the important chemical characteristics that distinguish tantalum from other metals.

Finally, there is the polishing method. Turn on the polishing machine and let it come into close contact with the metal to be tested. At this point, if the sparks generated by polishing appear slightly white and the spark lines are smooth without branching, it can be basically determined that the metal is tantalum. This method of identifying metals by polishing spark features is based on the unique physical properties of tantalum, which have been repeatedly verified in practice and have high accuracy. By mastering these three identification methods, both market recyclers and friends interested in tantalum metal can more accurately identify this precious and rare metal, avoiding misjudgments in transactions, collections, and other processes.

In summary, several methods for identifying tantalum metal have been introduced, making it clear that tantalum metal is a highly practical and expensive metal.

From this, it can be seen that the rare metal tantalum is a relatively precious metal, and its discovery and application have become the driving force for promoting social development. In fact, the discovery of every metal will bring convenience to people's lives, and the application of each metal is a reflection of its practical value.

If you have any requests or suggestions, please contact us!

WhatsApp:+8613298332678，+8613253662638