Unlike most corrosion resistant alloys, the characteristic that makes tantalum metal unique is that in most strong acid environments tantalum has no corrosion rate. Because tantalum metal is not attacked by acids, no mass is lost and it could remain in contact with the corrosive media indefinitely. Because of this phenomenon, the thickness of tantalum needed to withstand corrosion is irrelevant and this is the premise behind Ultramet CPT.

With Ultramet CPT’s technology we can protect assets and eliminate strong acid corrosion with a relatively thin layer of tantalum metal typically 2 mils (0.002”) thick. Because the tantalum metal is not consumed by most acids a thicker surface provides no additional benefit from a corrosion point of view. 

Mechanically Tough

Because Ultramet CPT’s tantalum surface is diffused into the base material and is ductile, it is extremely tough. Unlike a typical coating with two distinct layers, Ultramet CPT grows tantalum into the substrate creating a diffusion zone. Because of this gradient of tantalum into the substrate, the tantalum surface is not susceptible to chipping, spalling or delamination .

Economics

Tantalum metal is expensive and historically has been cost prohibitive to produce in usable common forms. Because Ultramet CPT’s technology utilizes tantalum metal so efficiently without the need for complex fabrication, our technology makes tantalum metal is affordable, typically in the range of engineered nickel alloys like Hastelloy C-276.