Zirconium

Zirconium (Zr 702) – Semi-Finished Products, Alloys and Custom Components Ex Stock

Zirconium (chemical symbol Zr, atomic number 40) is a silvery-grey, lustrous heavy metal. In its pure form it is easy to machine, remains corrosion-resistant even at high temperatures, and has a very low neutron capture cross-section. It also offers good stability against structural damage from neutron irradiation and against cavitation from coolant flows – properties that make the metal a key material in reactor construction.

Zirconium – High-Tech and Versatile

The metal is used mainly pure or alloyed with 1.2–1.7% tin for corrosion-resistant pipes, fittings and valves in the chemical industry. This particular alloy is called Zircaloy. Zirconium plays an important role in reactor construction: it is used for fuel element cladding and supports, for pressure vessel lining, and for all structural components that come into contact with neutrons. In the rocket and jet aircraft industry, zirconium is used to manufacture combustion chambers and feed lines. In electron and X-ray tubes, zirconium serves as a getter material.

The Zircaloy mentioned above is, for example, the main component of the cladding of uranium fuel elements in nuclear power plants. Here the element is distinguished by an exceptionally low capture cross-section for thermal neutrons, as well as high corrosion resistance. This also makes it suitable for the construction of chemical plants and, in particular, for special parts such as valves, pumps, pipes or heat exchangers.

Important for nuclear applications: zirconium ore always also contains the chemically almost identical hafnium, which, unlike zirconium, strongly absorbs neutrons. For reactor construction, zirconium must therefore be elaborately separated from hafnium – this is the only way to preserve the neutron transparency required for fuel elements.

Zirconium Alloys Have Diverse Applications

In addition to Zircaloy, probably its best-known and most widespread alloy, zirconium also lends valuable properties to other alloys. As an addition to steel, for example, it increases corrosion resistance, which is why surgical instruments are often made from such alloys. Together with niobium, it forms a superconducting alloy that retains this property even under the influence of strong magnetic fields. In general, the addition of zirconium stabilises an alloy and makes it more resilient.

Zirconium vs. Titanium

Zirconium and titanium both form a protective oxide layer and are among the most corrosion-resistant structural metals. At 6.506 g/cm³, zirconium is significantly denser than titanium (4.50 g/cm³), but scores with its extremely low neutron capture cross-section – the decisive criterion for use in reactor construction. Titanium, in turn, is the lighter choice for aerospace and shipbuilding.

Get Zirconium from E.WAGENER – Pure or as a Component

You can determine the degree of purity of the zirconium yourself at E.Wagener. We offer you various purity grades – you get 90%, 95% or even >99% pure zirconium. Depending on your requirements, we also process zirconium into blocks, wires, rods, or even sheets and foils. In addition to supplying the material, E.WAGENER also offers the production of custom components. Since we have proven know-how in processing all kinds of special metals, we offer you the perfect combination of professional execution and precise service.

Frequently Asked Questions about Zirconium

What is zirconium?

Zirconium (Zr 702) is a silvery-grey heavy metal with high corrosion resistance and a very low neutron capture cross-section.

What is zirconium used for?

Zirconium is used, among other things, for fuel element cladding in reactor construction, corrosion-resistant pipes and valves in the chemical industry, and as a getter material in electron tubes.

Why is zirconium used in reactor construction?

Because it absorbs hardly any neutrons while also being highly corrosion-resistant and stable under neutron irradiation – ideal properties for fuel element cladding.

What does zirconium have to do with hafnium?

Both elements occur in the same ore and are chemically almost identical. For reactor construction, zirconium must be elaborately separated from hafnium, since hafnium – unlike zirconium – strongly absorbs neutrons.

Which alloys and purity grades does E.WAGENER offer?

E.WAGENER supplies zirconium in 90%, 95% and over 99% purity, including as a Zircaloy alloy with 1.2–1.7% tin.