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Refractory Metal 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR (Stress relieved)

Heat-treated state

Pick when moderate strength plus flatness/low residual stress are needed, e.g. thick target blanks and formed capacitor parts.

High cost $$$$

Values for the SR condition

Other 5N Tantalum (99.999%) tempers and conditions

5N Tantalum (99.999%) is listed in 3 conditions; see the grade overview at 5N Tantalum (99.999%).

Compare all 3 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
AnnealedDefault
vacuum recrystallization annealed plate/target blank
Standard supply condition for sputtering-target blanks and corrosion linings: fully recrystallized, fine uniform grain, maximum ductility.1202004565 HB57 W/m·K
SRThis page
Stress relieved
Pick when moderate strength plus flatness/low residual stress are needed, e.g. thick target blanks and formed capacitor parts.24030022105 HB13.5 % IACS
Cold worked
Highest strength and stiffness-per-section; used for springs, thin strip and wire where subsequent annealing is not wanted.4004507152 HB13.1 % IACS

What is 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR?

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR is 5N Tantalum (99.999%) heat treated to SR — pick when moderate strength plus flatness/low residual stress are needed, e.g. thick target blanks and formed capacitor parts. 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 76% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 186 GPa (27 Msi). 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR has a density of 16.65 g/cm³ (0.602 lb/in³), heavier than 86% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,017°C (5,463 °F). Annealed is the default condition FabDigit quotes; SR is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Good corrosion resistance — 97/100, better than 97% of refractory metal grades
  • Tough — resists crack growth — 90 MPa·√m (81.9 ksi·√in), better than 94% of refractory metal grades

Limitations

  • Limited service temperature — 275°C (527 °F), worse than 99% of refractory metal grades
  • High embodied carbon — 270 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 97% of refractory metal grades
  • Heavy — 16.65 g/cm³ (0.602 lb/in³), worse than 86% of refractory metal grades
  • Low strength — 240 MPa (34.8 ksi), worse than 76% of refractory metal grades

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR properties

Typical room-temperature values for 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 5N Tantalum (99.999%) reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among refractory metal grades.

Physical3

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR has a density of 16.65 g/cm³ (0.602 lb/in³), heavier than 86% of refractory metal grades. It melts at 3,017°C (5,463 °F).

Density16.65 g/cm³0.6 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)3,017°C5,463 °F
Liquidus Temperature3,017°C5,463 °F

Mechanical13

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 76% of refractory metal grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 186 GPa (27 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus186 GPa27 Msi
Shear Modulus69 GPa10 Msi
Bulk Modulus200 GPa29 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.34
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)300 MPa43.5 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)240 MPa34.8 ksi
Elongation at Break22%
Reduction in Area60%
Shear Strength190 MPa27.6 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)90 MPa·√m81.9 ksi·√in
Hardness, Brinell105 HB
Hardness, Vickers110 HV

Thermal6

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR is rated for continuous service to 275°C (527 °F). It conducts heat at 56 W/m·K (32.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 67% of refractory metal grades. Thermal expansion is 6.5 µm/m·K (3.61 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity56 W/m·K32.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity140 J/kg·K0.03 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)6.5 µm/m·K3.6 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion202 J/g86.8 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)275°C527 °F
Min Service Temperature-269°C-452 °F

Electrical3

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR conducts electricity at 13.5 % IACS, better than 72% of refractory metal grades.

Electrical Conductivity13.5 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity1.28×10⁻⁷ Ω·m5.04 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is excellent (97/100), better than 97% of refractory metal grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.05 V
Corrosion ResistanceExcellent97/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryImmune to nearly all mineral acids (HCl, HNO3, H2SO4, aqua regia) below ~150 °C thanks to the Ta2O5 film; attacked by HF, fluoride-bearing acids, fuming SO3, hot concentrated alkalis and molten alkali salts; absorbs hydrogen and embrittles at >250 °C, oxidizes rapidly in air above ~300 °C.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR takes about 4,500 MJ of energy and emits 270 kg of CO₂ — more than 97% of refractory metal grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)4,500 MJ/kg1,934,654 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)270 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water5,000 L/kg599 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content25%

Manufacturability8

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR's machinability is poor (30/100, better than 54% of refractory metal grades); weldability good (58/100); formability good (60/100).

MachinabilityPoor30/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)25%
WeldabilityGood58/100
Formability (cold)Good60/100
CastabilityPoor25/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityFair45/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responseexcellent — anodic Ta2O5 gives dense, high-permittivity dielectric films (capacitor/colour anodizing); not a wear coating

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR

Is 5N Tantalum (99.999%) easy to machine?

Extremely gummy and prone to galling/built-up edge — use sharp, highly-positive carbide or HSS-Co tools, slow speeds (20–40 m/min), heavy feed, chlorinated or flood coolant, and never dwell; grind with SiC after acid pickling to avoid embedded iron.

Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%) be welded?

EB or GTAW in a purged glovebox/vacuum chamber only — any O2/N2/H2 pickup above ~300 °C embrittles the joint; no filler needed, keep interstitials below 100 ppm to retain ductility.

Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%) be formed, bent or molded?

Cold forms, deep-draws and rolls readily at room temperature with >90 % reduction between anneals; use clean tooling and lubricant free of chlorides/sulfur, and vacuum recrystallization-anneal at 1000–1300 °C to reset grain size for uniform sputter erosion.

What surface finishes work on 5N Tantalum (99.999%)?

Acid pickle (HNO3-HF) or CMP to remove machining smear before target bonding; anodizing in dilute phosphoric acid builds a Ta2O5 dielectric/colour film — plating is rarely used, and surface cleanliness (particles, Fe, Na) governs thin-film yield.

5N Tantalum (99.999%) chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Nb≤10 ppm; principal metallic impurity≤ 03×10⁻⁴
W≤5 ppm≤ 5×10⁻⁴2×10⁻⁴
Mo≤3 ppm≤ 3×10⁻⁴1×10⁻⁴
Fe≤2 ppm≤ 2×10⁻⁴5×10⁻⁵
Ni≤2 ppm≤ 2×10⁻⁴5×10⁻⁵
Cr≤1 ppm≤ 1×10⁻⁴3×10⁻⁵
Ti≤1 ppm≤ 1×10⁻⁴3×10⁻⁵
Si≤2 ppm≤ 2×10⁻⁴5×10⁻⁵
U≤0.5 ppb; alpha-emitter control for semiconductor use≤ 5×10⁻⁸—
Th≤0.5 ppb≤ 5×10⁻⁸—
O≤50 ppm, interstitial (not counted in 5N metals basis)≤ 0.010
C≤10 ppm≤ 05×10⁻⁴
N≤10 ppm≤ 03×10⁻⁴
H≤5 ppm≤ 5×10⁻⁴1×10⁻⁴
Ta99.999 % metals basis (gases excluded), GDMS-verified≥ 100 (balance)—

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR — frequently asked

What is 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR used for?

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR is typically used for semiconductor diffusion barrier films, sputtering targets, MLCC electrode materials and thin-film resistor coatings. In short: highest-purity tantalum grade; electron-beam melted, 5N; excellent cold formability.

What is the yield strength of 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR?

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) — weaker than 76% of refractory metal grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 3 listed tempers.

Is 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR easy to machine?

Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, better than 54% of refractory metal grades). Extremely gummy and prone to galling/built-up edge — use sharp, highly-positive carbide or HSS-Co tools, slow speeds (20–40 m/min), heavy feed, chlorinated or flood coolant, and never dwell; grind with SiC after acid pickling to avoid embedded iron.

Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (58/100). EB or GTAW in a purged glovebox/vacuum chamber only — any O2/N2/H2 pickup above ~300 °C embrittles the joint; no filler needed, keep interstitials below 100 ppm to retain ductility.

What surface finishes work on 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR?

Acid pickle (HNO3-HF) or CMP to remove machining smear before target bonding; anodizing in dilute phosphoric acid builds a Ta2O5 dielectric/colour film — plating is rarely used, and surface cleanliness (particles, Fe, Na) governs thin-film yield.

Can 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR be formed, bent or molded?

Cold forms, deep-draws and rolls readily at room temperature with >90 % reduction between anneals; use clean tooling and lubricant free of chlorides/sulfur, and vacuum recrystallization-anneal at 1000–1300 °C to reset grain size for uniform sputter erosion.

What is the maximum service temperature of 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR?

5N Tantalum (99.999%)-SR is rated for continuous use to about 275°C (527 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 5N Tantalum (99.999%) Annealed and 5N Tantalum (99.999%)-CW?

Annealed is the default condition — standard supply condition for sputtering-target blanks and corrosion linings: fully recrystallized, fine uniform grain, maximum ductility. CW: highest strength and stiffness-per-section; used for springs, thin strip and wire where subsequent annealing is not wanted. Yield strength is 120 MPa in Annealed versus 400 MPa in CW.

Sources

  1. ASTM B708 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Plate, Sheet and Strip — ASTM International (2021)
  2. ASTM B365 — Tantalum and Tantalum Alloy Rod and Wire — ASTM International (2018)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (Refractory Metals) — ASM International (1990)
  4. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics — Physical Properties of the Elements — CRC Press (2023)
  5. High-purity tantalum sputtering target blanks (EB-melted, 99.999 %) — Global Advanced Metals / H.C. Starck / (2023)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.