| abstract |
In a method for fabricating an aggregate of Ta, Nb, or an alloy comprising Ta or Nb, a precursor material is produced by sintering a powder of a compound of the metal or a mixture of compounds of the metals for forming an alloy, the sintering is performed at a first temperature. The precursor is then made the cathode in a fused salt melt at a second temperature, lower than the first temperature, and reduced to form a metal or alloy product. The second temperature is predetermined so as not to decrease substantially the porosity of the precursor material or, after reduction, the metal or alloy. |