Glossary

Zirconium is a chemical element and metallic material with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a strong, corrosion-resistant, grayish-white metal that is valued for its ability to withstand heat, chemicals, and aggressive service environments. In industrial applications, zirconium is known for forming a highly protective oxide film on its surface, which gives it excellent resistance to corrosion in many acids, alkalis, and high-temperature fluids.

One of zirconium’s most important characteristics is its combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and heat stability. It is widely used in industries where metal contamination, chemical attack, or harsh operating conditions would damage more common materials. Zirconium is especially important in chemical processing equipment and nuclear applications. In nuclear service, it is highly valued because it has a low neutron absorption cross section, which allows it to perform as a structural material around nuclear fuel without significantly interfering with the nuclear reaction.

Zirconium is most often used not in completely pure form, but as part of zirconium alloys that are engineered for specific performance requirements. It is commonly associated with products such as reactor fuel cladding, heat exchangers, piping, valves, and other components exposed to corrosive or high-temperature environments.