Niobium C-103 Alloy

(Nb-(10)Hf-(1)Ti)

C-103 alloy is a Niobium based alloy that is widely used in aerospace applications because of its incredible heat resistance, as well as its light-weight, cost, reliability, and ability to stand up to intense vibrations and cryogenic temperatures. The alloy has a melting point of 2350 ± 50ºC, and a density of 8.85 gm/cm³, making it ideal for use in space, as well as for components used within super-heated thrusters, and rocket engines. The C-103 Niobium Alloy is widely employed in the manufacturing of scramjet engine components.

In 1965, Niobium C-103 alloy was first manufactured in America and used in the nozzle extended segment of the Apollo manned lunar module rocket engine.

Composition:

Hafnium              9 – 11%             Carbon           0.015%

Titanium              0.7 – 1.3%        Oxygen           0.025%

Zirconium           0.7%                  Nitrogen         0.01%

Tungsten            0.5%                  Hydrogen       0.0015%

Tantalum            0.5%                  Niobium          Balance

Properties (@20^oC):

Formula                                             NbHfTi

Appearance                                      Metallic solid

Melting Point                                     2350^oC (+/- 50^oC)

Density                                               8.85 gm/cm³

Yield Strength                                   262 MPa

Tensile Strength                               562.5 MPa

Elongation                                         20%