Advantages of Zirconium Metal and Zirconium Alloys

Advantages of Zirconium Metal and Zirconium Alloys

Zirconium (Zr) is a silver metal with a density of 6.52g/cm3. Zr has a very small neutron adsorption cross-section and a relatively high melting point (1855°C or 3371°F), making zirconium an important material for nuclear power rods. In the 1990s, about 90% of the zirconium produced annually was consumed by the nuclear industry.

However, as more people become familiar with Zr and its compounds, more applications have been discovered. Zirconium metal and zirconium alloys have advantages in specific chemical environments - primarily acetic acid and hydrochloric acid. Zirconium's corrosion resistance comes from tightly adherent oxides, which form almost instantaneously.

Therefore, zirconium has been used to manufacture electrode assemblies, foils, flange bolts, tubes and rods for special applications. Zirconium products are also widely used in medical devices, such as zirconium implants. Since zirconium plate has better mechanical strength at high temperatures, it can also be used as a support and structural component for high temperature applications.