Zirconium

Zirconium

Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a lustrous, gray-white, strong transition metal that is similar in appearance to titanium. Zirconium is highly resistant to corrosion and is commonly used in nuclear reactors, chemical processing plants, and other high-temperature applications. It is also used in the production of ceramics, refractory materials, and alloys. Zirconium was first discovered in 1789 by the German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth, who named it after the mineral zircon. The metal itself was not isolated until 1824, when the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius reduced zirconium chloride using potassium. Zirconium has a number of interesting properties that make it useful in a variety of applications. For example, it has a very high melting point (1855°C), which makes it ideal for use in high-temperature environments. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, even in acidic or alkaline environments. This makes it useful in chemical processing plants and other applications where materials are exposed to harsh chemicals. Another interesting property of zirconium is its ability to absorb neutrons. This makes it useful in nuclear reactors, where it is used as a cladding material for fuel rods. The zirconium absorbs some of the neutrons produced by the fission process, which helps to control the reaction and prevent a meltdown. Overall, zirconium is an important element with a wide range of applications. Its unique properties make it useful in a variety of industries, from nuclear power to ceramics and alloys.

chemical element, corrosion-resistant, high-temperature, nuclear reactors, ceramics

— Kevin Johnson

CITATION : "Kevin Johnson. 'Zirconium.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=359072 (Accessed on July 03, 2025)"