Zirconium: Properties, Applications, And Market Potential

Zirconium has an atomic number of 40, and its chemical symbol is Zr. The metal exhibits a silvery appearance and a density of 6.52 g/cm³. Zr exhibits a low neutron absorption cross‐section and a melting point of 1855 °C (3371 °F); consequently, it is used for nuclear fuel rods. During the 1990s, approximately 90 % of the annual production of zirconium was consumed by the nuclear industry. Given that increasing numbers of organisations are investigating Zr and its compounds, further applications have been developed.

Zirconium dioxide or Zirconium dioxide is an important compound of zirconium. ZrO₂ is used as a raw material for technical ceramics that achieve high hardness and wear resistance. It can also be produced in a transparent crystalline form and exhibits high hardness. Consequently, zirconium is utilised in jewellery items such as zirconium rings and zirconium crowns.

Zirconium metal and zirconium alloys perform well in specific chemical environments – particularly in acetic acid and hydrochloric acid. The corrosion resistance of zirconium is based on the immediate formation of an adherent oxide layer. Consequently, zirconium is used in the manufacture of electrode components, flange bolts, pipes and rods for specialised applications. Zirconium‐based products are also employed in medical technology, for example in zirconium implants.

Materials based on zirconium display additional properties. Zirconium is used in the production of superconducting high‐temperature materials, and Zr crystal bars are frequently utilised as raw material. Zirconium alloys are being evaluated as candidate materials for commercial amorphous metals, also known as metallic glasses. In contrast to conventional metallic materials, amorphous metals do not have grain boundaries, which results in improved wear resistance and hardness. In addition, amorphous metals do not exhibit grain boundary corrosion and can be thermally formed. To achieve an amorphous state, the molten alloys must be rapidly cooled. Typically, cooling rates of several million K/s are required, whereas recently developed zirconium‐based alloys can reach rates of approximately 1 K/s.

It is projected that the demand for zirconium will increase in the coming years as a consequence of the global demand for nuclear power stations. However, only a few large companies possess the technology required for the production of zirconium materials for the nuclear sector, and significant investments make market entry difficult for new entities. Although the nuclear industry still consumes a large proportion of the annual zirconium production, applications in other areas, for example technical ceramics, have been developed over recent decades.