Vanadium

Vanadium is a chemical element of periodic table with atomic number of 23 and atomic mass of 50.94. For first time, vanadium was discovered in 1801 by professor of mineralogy Manuel Del Rio. But in scientific world it’s believed that «real” discovery of this rare refractory metal occurred later — in 1830 by Niels Sefström.

General characteristics

To obtain vanadium, iron ore goes through following steps: preparation of iron ore concentrate, oxidation and separation of sodium vanadate, acidification with sulfuric acid until residue is formed, drying of which leads to concentration of 90% vanadium. Of advantages of metal emit:

• High melting point (up to 1887^оC);
• Great ductility and strength (up to 300^оC);
• Low cost in relation to other alloys with similar properties.

In addition, mechanical properties of material differ among themselves by fractions of O, H and N in composition of alloy. For alloy to have good malleable properties, proportion of these impurities should be up to 0.25%.

Application area

Vanadium is popular in various industries, but is most in demand in chemical and metallurgical industries. It is used for making:

• Sulfuric acid (as catalyst);
• In atomic-hydrogen energy;
• Lithium batteries and accumulators;
• High strength titanium alloys;
• Durable parts for car engines;
• Electronics;
• Submersible drilling platforms for oil production, etc.

The easiest way to see vanadium alloy is on classic wrenches.

Steel grades

There are many brands of vanadium alloys, but most popular are:

It’s often used in above areas.