Description
Zirconium powder is a fine, metallic powder prepared from the element zirconium; it has a silvery-grey appearance. It is noted for excellent corrosion resistance and stability at high temperatures and is manufactured either by reducing zirconium compounds or by atomizing molten zirconium. The powder is light in weight with a granular texture and is in great demand because of its stability and inertness; it is a major ingredient in a number of high-performance industrial applications.
Propereties
Zirconium powder is distinguished by very good corrosion resistance and high-temperature resistance. Having a melting point of about 1855°C (3371°F), the material is very refractory; it keeps its physical properties even at very high temperatures. Such stability at high temperatures and chemical inertness enable the application of zirconium powder in extreme operating conditions, among others in the production of heat-resistant materials, coatings, and special alloys. It provides good performance in extreme temperatures and chemical-exposure conditions due to the unprecedented combination of properties.
Application
There are several applications for zirconium metal powder, which include:
1. Ceramic industry: Zirconium powder raw material is widely used in the production of advanced ceramics, including ceramics with the basis of zirconia. Such kinds of ceramics possess exceptionally great strength and high wear resistance, with good thermal stability. That classifies them for use in very advanced fields such as in aerospace and automotive industries, in addition to manufacturing electronics.
2. Nuclear industry: The presence of low neutron absorption properties is the sole reason for every nuclear industry to choose zirconium powder. Zirconium powder has already been used to manufacture several nuclear reactor components such as fuel rods and cladding tubes. The structural materials also originate from zirconium powder.
3. Chemical industry: The main consumption of zirconium powder now falls within a broad area of chemical processes and reactions. Among these processes, it acts as a catalyst, especially for the production of various polymers and organic compounds. Zirconium-based catalysts characteristically possess high activity and stability along with outstanding selectivity.
4. Dental and medical applications: Zirconium powder is used in dentistry for the manufacture of dental crowns, bridges, and implants. Zirconia-based dental restorations offer outstanding biocompatibility and provide aesthetics and strength similar to teeth. In medicine, its application lies in the manufacturing process of orthopaedic implants and prosthetics.
5. Aerospace: The primary properties of zirconium powder useful in aerospace applications involve a very high melting point for the material, relatively low density, and good resistance to corrosion. Its applications include the manufacture of various aircraft parts, such as aircraft engines, turbine blades, and even heat shields.
6. Paints and coatings: Zirconium powder can be incorporated into paints and coatings to provide corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and improved adhesion. It is commonly used in high-performance coatings for automotive, marine, and industrial applications.
7. Electronics and optics: Zirconium metal powder is used in the production of electronic components, such as capacitors, resistors, and varistors. It is also used in the manufacturing of optical glasses and lenses due to its high refractive index and low dispersion properties.
