Titanium a tough material

Basic information

Zirconium is a valuable heavy metal that is highly versatile in various industries. With its shimmering silver-grey appearance, zirconium is not only visually appealing but also boasts impressive qualities. Its pure form is extremely workable, making it easy to mold and shape according to desired specifications. Moreover, zirconium showcases remarkable corrosion resistance, even at elevated temperatures, making it highly durable and reliable for extended use.

One of the significant advantages of zirconium is its exceptionally low neutron capture cross section. This property ensures that zirconium resists any adverse effects caused by neutron irradiation, providing excellent stability against structural damage. Additionally, zirconium demonstrates resistance to cavitation caused by coolant flows, further enhancing its reliability in various applications.

In the chemical industry, zirconium is primarily utilized in its pure form or as an alloy with approximately 1.2-1.7% tin, forming a special alloy known as Zircaloy. This corrosion-resistant alloy finds extensive usage in the manufacturing of pipes, fittings, and valves. Zirconium also plays a vital role in reactor construction, serving as fuel element claddings and holders, pressure vessel linings, and all structural components that come into contact with neutrons. Its exceptional properties make zirconium a go-to material in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of reactors.

Moreover, zirconium finds utility in the rocket and jet aircraft industry. It is employed in the fabrication of combustion chambers and feed lines, benefiting from its exceptional heat and corrosion resistance. Another application where zirconium shines is in the production of electron and X-ray tubes, where it serves as a getter material.

Overall, zirconium's remarkable qualities, including its workability, resistance to corrosion and neutron irradiation, have positioned it as a valuable metal in numerous industries. Its versatility and reliability make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the products it is incorporated into.