Zirconium sheet plates Zr 99.9% pure metal cut to size from 0.5mm to 3mm

Zirconium is a heavy metal and belongs to the titanium group. It has very high corrosion resistance, good flexibility and is relatively soft. Zirconium is easy to roll, forge and hammer. It is a poor conductor of electricity, but a relatively good conductor of heat. Under high temperatures, zirconium reacts with most non-metals. As a result of passivation, it is stable in air. The metal is resistant to acids. However, it is attacked by aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid even at room temperature. Zirconium is insensitive to aqueous bases. In finely divided form, zirconium has pyrophoric properties. It is not toxic and is found in the body.

The main application of zirconium is in nuclear power plants. The Zircaloy alloy is used to make the casings of uranium fuel elements. The metal is also used in the construction of chemical plants (valves, pumps, stirrers). As an alloying metal, it increases the corrosion resistance of steel. Surgical instruments are also made from corresponding zirconium alloys. Because of its smokeless combustion, zirconium is used as a flash powder in fireworks and signal lights.

Zirconium is used

• in nuclear power plants (shells of uranium fuel elements);
• in chemical industry (construction of chemical plants);
• as an alloying metal (steel, surgical instruments);
• as flash powder (fireworks, signal lights);
• production of abrasive paper and pigments.

Zirconium is characterised by:

• very high corrosion resistance;
• good flexibility and ductility;
• poor electrical conductivity;
• relatively good thermal conductivity;
• excellent resistance to almost all acids and aqueous bases;
• pyrophoric properties in powder form;
• non-toxic.