Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40.
Zirconium is a lustrous, off-white, soft, malleable, malleable metal that is solid at room temperature but hard and brittle at lower purity levels. Zirconium is a transition metal very similar to hafnium and, to a lesser extent, titanium. Zirconium is used primarily as a refractory and opacifying agent, although in small amounts it is used as an alloying agent because of its strong corrosion resistance.
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, zirconium is often used as an alloying agent in materials exposed to corrosive environments, such as surgical instruments, filaments and watch cases.
The cladding of nuclear reactor fuel consumes about 1% of the zirconium supply, mainly in the form of zirconium alloys. Desirable properties of these alloys are low neutron capture cross sections and corrosion resistance under normal service conditions. To this end, efficient methods for removing hafnium impurities were developed.
Materials made from the metals zirconium and ZrO2 are used in space vehicles that require heat resistance.
Zirconium Metal Products We Provide:
Material: Crystal Zirconium with low hafnium content, Zirconium 702, Zirconium 704
Product: zirconium sheets, strips, plates, rods, wires, pipes, rods, etc.
Other zirconium: zirconium balls, rings, mesh, targets, pipe fittings, crucible, ribbon, flanges, etc.
Please send your drawings to sales@edge-techind.com for other machined zirconium parts.
Zirconium Metal is a unique material with various properties that make it highly suitable for specific applications. Here are its key characteristics and common uses:
Properties:
Corrosion Resistance: Zirconium metal exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in most acids, alkalis, and high-temperature steam, making it ideal for use in harsh chemical environments, such as nuclear reactors.
High Melting Point: With a melting point of 1855°C, zirconium is capable of withstanding high temperatures, which makes it useful in extreme conditions.
Good Strength: Zirconium has good mechanical strength at room temperature, allowing it to bear high pressure and tension.
Low Neutron Absorption: Due to its low neutron absorption cross-section, zirconium is an ideal material for nuclear reactors, especially as cladding for fuel rods.
Good Plasticity and Workability: At high temperatures, zirconium exhibits good plasticity, allowing it to be processed into various shapes and forms.
Chemical Stability: Zirconium metal naturally forms a dense oxide layer at room temperature, which protects the underlying metal from further corrosion.
Uses:
Nuclear Energy Industry:
Nuclear Reactor Fuel Cladding: Zirconium alloys, such as Zircaloy, are commonly used as cladding for nuclear reactor fuel rods due to their low neutron absorption and excellent corrosion resistance.
Nuclear Waste Containers: Zirconium’s corrosion resistance also makes it a suitable material for containers used in the storage and transportation of nuclear waste.
Chemical Industry:
Corrosion-Resistant Equipment: Zirconium is used to manufacture chemical reactors, pipes, and tanks that are resistant to corrosive substances.
Catalyst Support: Zirconium and its alloys are sometimes used as supports in certain catalytic processes.
Aerospace:
Due to its high melting point and strength, zirconium is used in aerospace applications, particularly in high-temperature environments like rocket engines.
Medical Applications:
Medical Implants: Zirconium’s biocompatibility makes it ideal for use in artificial joints, dental materials, and other implantable medical devices.
Manufacturing Alloys:
Zirconium is often alloyed with other metals such as aluminum, copper, and titanium to enhance their strength and corrosion resistance.
Jewelry and Decorative Items:
Zirconium alloys are used in the manufacture of jewelry, watches, and other decorative items due to their attractive appearance and resistance to corrosion.
Overall, zirconium metal’s unique combination of high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, strength, and low neutron absorption makes it indispensable in several specialized industries, particularly in nuclear energy and chemical processing.