Zirconium (Zr): Nuclear Fuel Cladding, Corrosion-Resistant Alloys, and Getter Material

Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a high-melting-point metal with a light gray appearance. Zirconium forms an oxide layer on its surface, giving it a steel-like luster. It exhibits excellent corrosion resistance but dissolves in hydrofluoric acid and aqua regia. At high temperatures, it reacts with nonmetals and many metals to form solid solutions.

Applications

1. For manufacturing getter materials.
2. For producing zirconium alloys.
3. For nuclear reactor fuel cladding.
4. As an additive in specialty metallurgy.

Product Series

Health and Safety Information

Packaging Specifications

• Standard packaging: 50 kg/drum, 500 kg/pallet, ton bags
• Sample packaging: 500 g/bag, 1 kg/bottle

About Zirconium
Zirconium readily absorbs hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. It has a strong affinity for oxygen—at 1000°C, oxygen dissolution causes significant volume expansion. The metal's surface oxide layer provides corrosion resistance (though it dissolves in HF and aqua regia). At elevated temperatures, it forms solid solutions with various elements.

Zirconium is highly ductile and easily fabricated into sheets or wires. When heated, it absorbs large quantities of oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, making it useful for hydrogen storage. Its corrosion resistance surpasses titanium, approaching niobium and tantalum. Zirconium and hafnium share similar chemical properties and coexist in nature, often with radioactive impurities.

Nuclear & Industrial Uses

• Nuclear energy: Low thermal neutron capture cross-section makes it ideal for reactor core structures.
• Pyrotechnics: Zirconium powder ignites easily in air, used in detonators and smokeless powders.
• Steelmaking: Acts as a deoxidizer/desulfurizer in high-quality steels (armor, artillery, stainless/heat-resistant steels).
• Magnesium alloys: Enhances tensile strength and workability.
• Aluminum alloys: Grain refiner (modifier).

Zirconium Compounds

• Zirconia (ZrO₂): High-value refractory material; key component in advanced ceramics and oxidation-resistant heating elements.
• Zircon (ZrSiO₄): Used in glass/ceramics as an opacifier due to its strong light reflection and thermal stability.

Getter Applications
Zirconium efficiently absorbs gases (O₂, H₂, NH₃) when heated, making it ideal for:

• Electron tube getters (Zr powder for degassing).
• Grid/anode supports in vacuum devices (Zr wires/sheets).