Electrical conductivity is the ability of a material to carry current. Titanium is a poor conductor of electricity as its outermost orbital 4s2 is completely filled leaving electrons in the down orbital 3d2 that are unavailable for carrying current through it.

The electrical properties of titanium vary with temperature. When it is heated, its electrical conductivity decreases as electrons are lost from the atom.

Nitride is a compound formed by a nitrogen atom and a metal. It is commonly used as a dielectric coating to protect or harden the surfaces of conductive metals such as copper and insulator materials like thermal oxides.

Typical applications of nitride include creating a barrier layer between a silicon chip and a metal contact. It is also used as a conductive connection between metal connectors on microelectronic circuit boards.

Refractory nitrides, such as TiN, have fascinating superconducting properties. When a thin film of TiN is chilled to absolute zero, it converts into a first-ever superinsulator!

It is used to coat the edges of metal parts and tools such as drill bits, milling cutters, and punches. The coating increases lubricity and reduces friction, improving tool life up to 7 times over uncoated tools. It also improves corrosive resistance and minimizes galling between sliding mold components.

Tantalum nitride TaN powder can be used as an additive for superhard materials to produce pure tantalum pentachloride, which can be sprayed and improve the electrical stability of transformers, integrated circuits, and diodes. It is a low-cost, high-performance nanomaterial that is suited for spraying and application in various industries.

tags: Semiconductors semiconductor industry