Zirconium Uses

The term, Zirconium, has been derived from the Persian word 'Zagun', which means 'gold like'. There is a mention of this metal in the biblical writings too. This is a metal which was isolated for the first time in 1824. This was done by Jakob Berzelius by heating a mixture of potassium and potassium zirconium fluoride (small amount), in an iron tube. Later, the Persian word was adapted into German and this metal was referred to as 'Zirkon' which in English became 'Zircon' and 'Zirconium'. Let us now see what are the various zirconium uses and properties.

Important Properties of Zirconium

Before we begin, there are certain zirconium facts which you should keep in mind.

• It is a metallic chemical element and its symbol is Zr.
• Its atomic number is 40 and atomic weight is 91.22, melting point is about 1,852ºC, and boiling point is 4,377ºC.
• It is strong, malleable, ductile, lustrous silver-gray or grayish-white in color.
• Chemical and physical properties similar to that off titanium.
• Extremely resistant to heat and corrosion.
• It is found in Australia, Brazil, India, Russia and the United States.

Important Uses

Zirconium resists corrosion, hence it is used as alloying agent in materials which are often come in contact with corrosive agents. Some of these materials are surgical appliances, vacuum tube getters and filaments or explosive primers.

Being heat resistant, the alloys of zirconium are employed in space vehicles. It forms an important component for making abrasives like grinding wheels and sandpaper. We also see its use in weapons like BLU-97/B Combined Effects. Its biocompapibility, appearance and strength, makes oxidized zirconium useful for dentists to prepare the crowning of the teeth.

Other important uses of zirconium which we can see, is in the nuclear reactor core's structural material. Here, this metal is used because of its strength and thermal neutron absorption cross-section, which allows the structural material to absorb the thermal neutrons. If you lower the thermal neutron absorption, then the efficiency of the nuclear reactor increases.

Its compound zircon is utilized as refractory materials in casting. Zircon is also used as enamels, abrasives, and even as an important constituent of insulating materials. These compounds are further used to make imitating diamonds and other artificial precious stones.

Its interesting properties and important applications, makes the hard carbides and nitrides to be useful in producing abrasives and also to make instruments with sharp edges. From the hydride we get hydrogen, which is used in nuclear reactors as moderator. Preparation of hydrophobic fluids and waterproof coatings is possible because of double ammonium carbide and zirconile.

We also see zirconium in catalysts in the industries of paint, dye, plastics and textiles. If your body ever starts itching due to poison ivy, then the pharmaceuticals uses zirconium to sooth the itching. Flashbulbs of cameras, tracer bullets and even fireworks, makes use of zirconium. If you want to remove the residual gases from electronic vacuums, then you can use zirconium. This metal is also used as a hardening agent in alloys like steel, for toughening glass and even for optical property control. Zirconium also makes the printing ink stick to plastics and metals better. An important ingredient in antiperspirant is aluminum zirconium. But, do keep in mind that too much use of aluminum zirconium often leads to breast cancer and Alzheimer's.

Thus, now you know about some of the important uses. Hope these information has been of use to you.