Zirconium (Zr 702)
a unique material
Zirconium (also spelled zirconium) is a silver-gray, shiny heavy metal. In its
pure form it is easy to process, corrosion-resistant even at high temperatures
and has a very small neutron capture cross-section. In addition, zirconium
offers good stability against structural damage caused by neutron irradiation
and against cavitation caused by coolant flows.
The metal is mainly pure or alloyed with 1.2-1.7% tin, used for
corrosion-resistant pipes, fittings and taps in the chemical industry. This
special alloy is called Zircaloy. Zirconium plays an important role in reactor
construction. It is used for fuel element casings and supports, for pressure
vessel lining, as well as for all structural components that come into contact
with neutrons. In the rocket and jet aircraft industries, zirconium is used to
make combustion chambers and supply lines. Zirconium is used as a getter
material in electron and X-ray tubes.
Zirconium - highly technological and versatile
The metal with the chem. Atomic number 40, zirconium, is mainly used in
compounds and alloys, but also has some practical properties as a pure
substance.
The zircaloy mentioned above is, for example, the main component of the shells
of uranium fuel elements in nuclear power plants. Here the element is
characterized by an exceptionally high capture cross-section for thermal
neutrons, as well as high corrosion resistance. This makes it suitable for the
construction of chemical plants and especially for special parts such as valves,
pumps, pipes or heat exchangers.
Zirconium is also suitable for the construction of incandescent lamps and vacuum
systems, as it reacts with small amounts of oxygen and can therefore maintain
the vacuum.
Zirconium alloys have a wide variety of uses
In addition to the best-known and most widespread alloy, Zircaloy, zirconium
also gives other alloys valuable properties. As an addition to steel, for
example, it increases the corrosion resistance, which is why surgical
instruments are often made from such alloys.
Together with niobium, a superconducting alloy is created, which retains this
property even under the influence of strong magnetic fields.
Basically, the addition of zirconium stabilizes an alloy and makes it more
resistant.
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