Zirconium

Explore Our Zirconium Products

Diverse Range of Zirconium

Our commitment to meeting diverse industry needs is reflected in our extensive array of zirconium products. Whether you’re seeking high-grade zirconium powder, plate, sheet, foil, bar, tube or rod, our catalog offers a comprehensive selection tailored to your specific requirements.

Customized Zirconium Solutions

We collaborate closely with clients to understand your unique demands, offering customized services that ensure each zirconium product aligns perfectly with your project specifications.

Zirconium Properties

Atomic Number	40
Atomic Mass	91.22 g.mol -1
Electronegativity According To Pauling	1.2
Density	6.49 g.cm-3 at 20°C
Melting point	1852 °C
Boiling point	4400 °C
Van der Waals Radius	0.160 nm
Ionic Radius	0.08 nm (+4)
Isotopes	11
Electronic Shell	[ Kr ] 4d2 5s2
Energy of First Ionization	669 kJ.mol -1
Energy of Second Ionization	1346 kJ.mol -1
Energy of Third Ionization	2312 kJ.mol -1
Energy of Fourth Ionization	3256 kJ.mol -1
Discovered by	Martin Klaproth in 1789

Zirconium Applications Across Industries

Zirconium, a durable and adaptable metal, is used in a variety of industries, contributing to technological advancements and innovation. Its unique combination of corrosion resistance, high-temperature stability, and mechanical strength makes it a sought-after material.

Make Zirconium And Its Products

Zirconium, a remarkable metal known for its exceptional properties, undergoes a detailed and sophisticated process to transform from raw materials into the diverse range of high-quality products that contribute to various industries.

The process typically begins with the extraction of zirconium-containing minerals, and zircon is a primary source. The sand and gravel that contain zircon are typically collected from coastal waters by a floating dredge, a large steam shovel fitted on a floating barge. After the shovel has scooped up the gravel and sand, they are purified by means of spiral concentrators, and then unwanted material is removed by magnetic and electrostatic separators.

End-product manufacturers of zircon further refine the nearly pure zircon into zirconium by using chlorine to purify the metal and then sintering(heating) it until it becomes sufficiently workable for industrial use. Less-pure zircon is made into zirconia, an oxide of zirconium, by fusing the zircon with coke, iron borings, and lime until the silica is reduced to silicon that alloys with the iron.

Following the production of zirconium metal, it is further processed into various forms such as bars, sheets, powders, and alloys. Each form undergoes specific manufacturing processes tailored to its intended application.

Zirconium Bar

Melting and Casting: The zirconium metal produced from reduction undergoes a melting process. The molten zirconium is then cast into ingots or molds to form solid bars.

Hot Working: The cast zirconium bars may undergo hot working processes such as extrusion or forging to achieve the desired shape and dimensions.

Heat Treatment: Heat treatment is applied to optimize the microstructure and mechanical properties of the zirconium bars. This step ensures enhanced strength and other desired characteristics.

Surface Finishing: Zirconium bars may undergo surface finishing processes, such as polishing or machining, to meet specific surface requirements.

Zirconium Sheet

Rolling: Zirconium sheets are typically produced through rolling processes. The zirconium metal is passed through rolling mills to reduce thickness and achieve the desired sheet dimensions.

Annealing: Annealing processes may be applied to relieve stress and enhance the material’s ductility. This step ensures the zirconium sheets maintain their integrity during further processing.

Cutting and Shearing: The rolled and annealed zirconium sheets are cut and sheared to the required size and shape.

Surface Treatment: Surface treatment methods, such as pickling or passivation, may be employed to enhance the corrosion resistance of zirconium sheets.

Zirconium Powder

Hydriding/Dehydriding Process: Zirconium sponge is subjected to a hydriding process, where it absorbs hydrogen, causing it to become brittle.The hydrided zirconium is then mechanically processed to create fine zirconium powder. Dehydriding follows to remove the absorbed hydrogen.

Sizing and Classification: The zirconium powder is sized and classified to achieve the desired particle size distribution.

Quality Control

The quality control methods implemented in the production of zirconium metal are typical Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods used in most metal production. These involve tracking and controlling specific variables determined by the end product requirements. Stringent government quality control is applied to all zirconium metal produced for nuclear applications. These controls assure that the zirconium produced for use in a nuclear plant has been processed correctly and also allow for accountability: processing is tracked so that it can be traced back to each individual step and location.

Quality control methods for zirconium used in refractory applications also focus on SPC. However, in the refractory industries, it is also necessary to ascertain the beach (and even what part of the beach) from which the zirconium mineral was extracted. We would specify the source of the zirconium because each source contains slightly different trace elements, and different trace elements can affect the final product.

Guide for purchasing Zirconium

Talk to Our Expert

Define Your Requirements

Identify the specific application and requirements for the zirconium product. Consider factors such as size, form (bars, sheets, powders), purity, and any special characteristics needed.

Customization Options

If your project requires specific features, a supplier with flexible manufacturing capabilities can tailor zirconium products to meet your unique specifications.

Assess Quality Standards

Industry standards and relevant certifications should be followed. You can request detailed information on the testing and inspection processes applied to zirconium products.

Price and Delivery

Ensure transparency in pricing and inquire about any additional fees or charges. Timely delivery is crucial, so clarify shipping methods, estimated delivery times, and the supplier’s ability to meet your project timeline.

Technical Expertise and Customer Support

Leverage our technical expertise and dedicated customer support. We’re here to assist with technical queries, guide you in product selection, and provide ongoing support post-purchase.

Quality Control:

Rigorous quality control measures, including particle size and purity testing, ensure the zirconium powder meets specified standards.

Zirconium Alloys

Alloying Process: Additional alloying elements, such as niobium or tin, are introduced during the melting process. This step forms zirconium alloys with specific properties tailored to the intended application.

Casting or Forming: The molten zirconium alloy is cast into the desired shape or formed through processes like extrusion or forging.

Heat Treatment: Zirconium alloys undergo heat treatment to refine their microstructure and enhance mechanical properties.

Final Inspection: Zirconium alloys undergo a final inspection to ensure they meet stringent quality standards before being prepared for distribution.