Zirconium sheet metal plates Zr 99.2% pure metal cut-to-size from 0.5mm to 3mm

Zirconium is classified as one of the heavy metals and is assigned to the titanium group. It has very high corrosion resistance, good ductility, and is relatively soft. Zirconium can be well rolled, forged, and hammered. It is a poor conductor of electricity but a relatively good conductor of heat. At high temperatures, zirconium reacts with most non-metals. Owing to passivation, it is stable in air. The metal is resistant to acids. However, it is attacked even at room temperature by aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid. Zirconium is insensitive to aqueous bases. In finely divided form, zirconium has pyrophoric properties. It is not toxic and occurs in the body.

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

Zirconium is used:

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

Zirconium is characterized by:

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