Zirconium Alloy

Your Leading Zirconium Alloy Supplier

 

Gnee Steel (tianjin) Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive, modern and high-quality enterprise integrating profile production, processing and sales. Zirconium alloy is a solid solution of zirconium or other metals. Zirconium has extremely low thermal neutron absorption cross-section, high NMness, ductility and corrosion resistance. One of the main uses of zirconium alloys is in nuclear technology, as cladding for fuel rods in nuclear reactors, especially water reactors.

 

 
 
Why Choose Us
 
 
 

Rich Experience

GNEE has been focusing on the field of profiles since 2008, mainly providing heavy-duty H-shaped steel, angle steel, channel steel, flat steel, round bars, steel plates and various profiles.

 
 

Advanced Equipment

We have 12 profile production lines and 7 steel plate production lines. Our series The automated production equipment is all imported.

 
 

Quality Guaranteed

We have obtained ISO, API, SGS, MTC and other quality certificates and can provide third-party testing, and the delivery terms can be AR, CR, TMCP, QT and N.

 
 

24H Online Service

We have established a 24-hour after-sales service system. Customers may reach our after-sales team at any time via phone, email, or online customer service to promptly report issues and receive professional support and solutions.

 

 

Zirconium Alloys

 

Types of Zirconium Alloy

R60705 Zirconium-Niobium Alloy
The melting point of UNS R60705 Zirconium Round Bar is 1852 degrees Celsius. High temperature and corrosion resistance is used in the production of crucibles, ceramics, abrasives and bricks. Zirconium oxides, also known as zirconium oxide, are used as opacifiers in enamels and pigments.

 

ASTM B493 Zirconium 702 Bars
Zirconium 702 fasteners (ASTM B493), also known as UNS R60702, are reactive metals that have a high affinity for oxygen and form a protective oxide layer in air at room temperature. The oxide protective layer gives zirconium alloys universal corrosion resistance.

 

Zirconium Alloys UNS R60704 Bar
Zirconium 704 round bars are suitable for different applications by direct drawing without intermediate annealing. Although Zirconium 704 round bar still has many of the properties of other grades, thanks to the addition of titanium, Zirconium 704 does not precipitate even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

 

Specifications of Zirconium Alloy

 

 

Product name

Zirconium rods

Material

R60700 R60702 R60704 R60705

Diameter

6-100mm

Iength

Maximum 4 meters

Density

6.49g/cm3

Shape

Circle

Chemical Composition

Zr+Hf>99.5%

Application

Industry

Packing

Export wooden case

Surface

Pickling, bright, polished

Standard

ASTM B348

Product advantage

Quality stability

 

Manufacturing Process of Zirconium Alloy

Extracting and Preparing the Raw Material
The first step in making zirconium alloy is to extract zirconium from the mineral called zircon (ZrSiO4). This mineral is mined in places like Australia and South Africa. Once the zircon is mined, it is crushed into a fine powder to prepare it for further processing.
To separate zirconium from other materials in the zircon, a method called froth flotation is used. In this process, chemicals are added to create bubbles that attach to zirconium particles, making it easier to separate them from impurities. The result is a concentrated zirconium product, which is then heated (roasted) to remove more unwanted materials like iron and titanium.

 

Purifying the Zirconium
After extracting and preparing the zirconium concentrate, the next step is to purify it. This is important because zirconium naturally contains another element called hafnium, which must be removed for many applications, especially in nuclear reactors.

 

Creating the Zirconium Alloy
Once the zirconium is purified, it's time to turn it into an alloy. An alloy is a mixture of metals, and zirconium alloys often include small amounts of metals like tin, niobium, iron, or chromium. Adding these metals improves the strength, resistance to corrosion, and ability to withstand high temperatures.

Shaping the Alloy

The zirconium alloy ingots are then shaped into the desired forms, such as rods, tubes, or sheets.

Heat Treatment and Surface Finishing

Once the alloy is shaped, it undergoes heat treatment to enhance its properties.

Quality Control and Testing

Throughout the manufacturing process, rigorous quality checks are essential to ensure the alloy meets the required standards.

 

Usage of Zirconium Alloy
 
 

Aerospace

Aircraft frames, engine parts, and structural elements benefit from the enhanced ductility and durability zirconium provides, facilitating the manufacturing of lighter yet stronger aerospace vehicles.

 
 
 

Automotive

Aluminum-zirconium alloys contribute to automotive performance and safety by strengthening critical components, such as chassis, engine blocks, and crash-resistant structures. Notably, this allows for weight reduction without compromising safety standards — a key factor in fuel efficiency.

 
 
 

Nuclear

Aluminum-zirconium alloys play a vital role in nuclear reactors, thanks to their ability to withstand high radiation and extreme temperatures. Cladding, structural supports, and containment systems all benefit from the exceptional durability and resistance offered by zirconium, contributing to the safety and efficiency of nuclear power generation.

 

 

 

Zirconium Alloy: Heat Treatment and Surface Finishing

Once the alloy is shaped, it undergoes heat treatment to enhance its properties. Heat treatment involves:

 

Annealing: Heating the alloy and then slowly cooling it to remove internal stresses and make it stronger.

 

Quenching: Rapidly cooling the alloy after heating to lock in certain properties, like hardness.

 

Surface finishing processes are also applied to improve the alloy's resistance to corrosion and give it a clean, polished appearance. Techniques like polishing and pickling (using acid to clean the surface) are commonly used.

Zirconium Aluminum Alloy

 

 

Packaging & Shipping

 

 

productcate-891-641

 

 

FAQ

 

 

Q: What is zirconium alloy used for?

A: Zircaloy is extensively used as a nuclear fuel cladding tube material. The fuel cladding encapsulates radioactive fuel pellet and it is resorted to an exceptionally harsh environment which is the combination of high temperature, high stresses, a chemically aggressive coolant and intense radiation fluxes.

Q: What are the properties of zirconium alloy?

A: Zirconium is a commercially available refractory metal with excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, very low thermal neutron cross section, and can be manufactured using standard fabrication techniques.

Q: What is the MOQ of your product?

A: Generally, MOQ is lkg. But the especial productions, please contact with us.

Q: Are you trading compamy or Mamufacture?

A: GNEE is located in Anyang City, Henan Province, China. As of now, we have more than 200 employees. We are a comprehensive, modern and high-quality enterprise integrating profile production, processing and sales.

Q: What s your main productions?

A: H-shaped steel, angle steel, channel steel, flat steel, round bars, steel plates and various profiles.

Gnee Steel (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. is one of the leading zirconium alloy manufacturers and suppliers in China. We warmly welcome you to buy high-grade zirconium alloy for sale here and get free sample from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and low price.

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