Zirconium (Zirconium, Zr, in the periodic system of chemical elements 40) is a gray-silver transition metal with a pronounced luster. It is characterized by high ductility, excellent processing at any temperature, resistant to corrosion.
This metal in its pure form melts at 1845°C, and in the form of dioxide (ZrO2) at 2680°C. Thanks to this quality, zirconium is a valuable raw material for the production of refractories with a long service life. They are used, for example, for steel furnaces, which allows up to 1,200 melts to be carried out without repair, which is a kind of record.
Interestingly, powdered zirconium ignites extremely easily even at room temperature, is explosive and does not smoke. These properties allow it to be successfully used in the production of various pyrotechnic products, military lighting rockets, etc.
Scope of zirconium:
- Metallurgical industry. It is used for alloying metals in order to obtain strong, heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant alloys.
- Manufacture of resistant glazes and paints, utensils, ceramic products, not susceptible to various environments.
- Aircraft and rocket science. It is used as a material for aircraft parts and glasses.
- Medical industry. It is used for the manufacture of dental and surgical implants, x-ray protection aprons, treatment bracelets and belts.
Zirconium is also used in the production of superconducting magnets and nuclear power.
