Zirconium is both hard and ductile. It is close to gold in ductility, so it can be rolled into a very thin foil, a few microns thick Zirconium sheet and strip have a number of extraordinary qualities that allow them to be used at the cutting edge of modern industry: in instrumentation, experimental chemistry, engineering, electrical engineering and nuclear power engineering.

Production

Zirconium sheet and strip is produced by hot and cold rolling. According to GOST, insignificant defects are allowed on the surface of finished products: risks, color changes, dents, not exceeding the size of permitted deviations. The color variations are also normalized by the standard and fully depend on the conditions and storage times of the material. Dimensions of zirconium sheets vary within a wide range from 5 mm in thickness, 500-800 mm in width, and approximately 500-2000 mm in length. For larger sizes, length deviations of up to 20 mm are acceptable. Sheets can be of measured or unmeasured length, which is a multiple of 100 or less. Properties of zirconium rolled products depend on the accompanying impurities. Antimony, sulfur, bismuth, zinc, and lead impair the resistance of the metal. Sulfur forms a sulfide film on the surface which has a lower melting point compared to zirconium and makes the sheet brittle when heated. The main method of cleaning from impurities is electrorefining. The sheet is immersed in an electrolyte, and the cathode in this case is another zirconium sheet, on the surface of which the pure metal is deposited. Such a process pays for itself, because electrorefining produces "anodic sludge." It easily decomposes into a number of valuable chemical elements.

Zirconium foil and sheet

Application

Tape is mainly used in the instrumentation and electrical engineering industries to produce cathodes and anodes as well as a variety of elements and electrical heaters with a stable high level of resistance. Most commonly, such elements are produced from zirconium strip with thickness of 5-20 microns. Zirconium sheet is widely used in chemical, nuclear power and engineering industries. Cold-rolled sheets with an additive of up to 2.5% niobium are annealed under vacuum after rolling and the surface is etched. Such sheet detains radiation, has a narrow thermal neutron capture cross-section and is resistant to aggressive environments. They are used for the vessels of chemical reactors, as well as for the shells of thermal boilers of nuclear reactors.

Buy at a bargain price

Evek GmbH has a wide range of rare and refractory metal products in stock. We supply zirconium sheet and ribbon at the best price. We offer favorable terms for wholesale and retail buyers. On our site you will find all the necessary information, At your service experienced managers-consultants who are always ready to help with the choice. Products undergo defectoscopic control. Quality is guaranteed by strict compliance with the rules of production at all stages. Delivery time is minimal. Preferential discounts are available for bulk orders.