Element symbol Zr atomic number 40, crystal structure dense hexagonal, melting point 1852℃, zirconium sponge is the main raw material to prepare zirconium alloy, zirconium powder. Zirconium is a refractory metal widely used in the atomic energy industry.
Application: more than 90% of sponge zirconium is used as the raw material of zirconium base alloy in nuclear reactors. Zirconium metal can be used in chemical industry, pesticide, printing and dyeing industries to manufacture corrosion resistant reaction tower, pump, heat exchanger, valve, mixer, nozzle, pipe and container lining, etc. It can also be used as deoxidation, denitrification agent in steelmaking process, grain refiner of aluminum alloy. Zirconium wire can be used as grid bracket, cathode bracket and grid plate material, and as the electrode head of air plasma cutting machine. Zirconium powder is mainly used as deflagration agent in the arms industry, and can be used as de-aerating agent in electronic devices. It can also be used to make kindling, fireworks and flash powder.
With the rapid development of new materials and the increase of nuclear energy application demand, zirconium industry began to usher in a golden period of investment. Zirconium as an important rare metal, due to its amazing corrosion resistance, extremely high melting point, high hardness and strength and outstanding nuclear properties, with the rapid development of emerging materials and the increase in nuclear energy application demand, demand for rapid growth, zirconium industry began to usher in the investment of the golden period. During the 12th five-year plan period, the main task of zirconium industry development and structural adjustment is to give priority to nuclear-grade zirconium materials, and give consideration to civil zirconium and high-purity zirconium. Make full use of the imported foreign advanced technology, digestion, absorption and re-innovation; The zirconium industry will be included in the nuclear fuel system, and the detection, evaluation and quality assurance system of high purity zirconium materials of nuclear grade will be established in the system.
