Introduction To Properties Of Zirconium

Introduction to properties of zirconium

The element symbol ZR of zirconium (ZIRCONIUM) is located in Group IV-B of the periodic table of chemical elements. Its atomic number is 40 and it is a silver-white transition metal.

The surface of zirconium easily forms an oxide film and is shiny, so its appearance is similar to steel. It has corrosion resistance, but is soluble in hydrofluoric acid and aqua regia; at high temperatures, it can react with non-metallic elements and many metallic elements to form solid solution compounds.

Zirconium has good plasticity and is easy to be processed into plates, wires, etc. Zirconium can absorb a large amount of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and other gases when heated, and can be used as a hydrogen storage material; zirconium's corrosion resistance is better than titanium, close to niobium and tantalum.