Relevance

Zirconium is a shiny steel-gray metal with a yellowish tint, It retains its characteristics at high and cryogenic temperatures. It is a paramagnetic, heat and corrosion resistant, malleable and ductile material. It is produced from ore concentrates and by remelting zirconium waste. Its unusual characteristics are used to alloy critical alloys and steels with zirconium that not only exhibit heat and corrosion resistance but also enhance adaptability to manufacturing processes.

History

Since the isolation of pure zirconia by Klaproth it has remained a rare exotic metal, moreover expensive enough for industrial use. It has been used mainly in laboratory practice and by jewelers to create exclusive jewelry. But in the last century it became an indispensable construction material. Industrial use of zirconium began in the 1930s.

Physical Properties

Specific weight of α-zirconium 6.5 g/cm³; specific heat capacity (at 25-100°C) 0.291 kJ/(kg-K), t° of melting 1855°C; t° of boiling 4409°C; thermal conductivity (50°C) 20.96 W/(m-K); thermal coefficient of linear expansion (20-400°C) 6.^9x10-6; specific electrical resistance (20°C) 0.44 ^Ohmxmm2/m. Zirconium becomes a superconductor at 0.7°K. It is a paramagnetic metal, the specific magnetic susceptibility increases with heating and reaches 1.^28x10-6 at t°-73 °C and 1.^41x10-6 at t° 327 °C. The thermal neutron capture cross section is 0.^18x10-28 m² and increases with hafnium admixture. Pure zirconium is readily hot and cold workable (forging, rolling, stamping). Nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur and carbon impurities make zirconium brittle. Modulus of elasticity (20°C) 9700 kgf/mm²; ultimate tensile strength 25.3 kgf/mm²; Brinell hardness 64-67 kgf/mm²; hardness strongly depends on oxygen impurity. Zirconia is not amenable to cold pressure treatment at 0.2% _O2 or more. The only zirconium production plant in CIS is Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (Glazov, Udmurtia). This metal has been in use since the 1930s, but is very limited due to its high cost.

Percentage composition of zirconium grades

Use

Since zirconium retains radiation, has a narrow thermal neutron capture cross-section and is resistant to aggressive environments, it is used in the nuclear power industry. Zirconium tube is used mainly in heat exchange systems and as a cladding for reactor cores. Thanks to its physical and chemical properties such pipe provides safe operation of fuel rods. It should be remembered that up to 300 °C this metal does not react with superheated steam, but above. 700 °C, an exothermic parazirconium reaction can start, which is fraught with an accident in nuclear reactors with water coolant.

Supply

We supply certified zirconium tube. The specification includes data on the percentage composition and mechanical qualities of the product. From us it is easy to buy in bulk any semi-finished products for large-scale production. We also cooperate with retail buyers. High level of service and efficiency of service is the face of our company.

Buy at a bargain price

Evek GmbH has an unlimited assortment of zirconium rolled products of the highest quality. We offer special purpose alloys at the best price. If you are interested in our offer, please contact your nearest office. Qualified specialists will provide all necessary information regarding products, price range, and terms of sale. The cost of goods depends on the parameters of products and additional terms of delivery.