What Is The Zirconium Industry Chain?

What is the zirconium industry chain?

Zirconium products are plentiful and diverse. The initial mineral form is zircon sand. After caustic soda and water washing, it can be converted into primary products such as zirconium silicate and zirconium oxychloride. Further calcination, chlorination, and reduction can produce zirconium dioxide and industrial-grade zirconium sponge. If purification and separation technologies reach a certain level, nuclear-grade zirconium sponge can be produced.

Zirconium has a wide range of applications, primarily in the form of zirconium silicate and zirconium oxide in ceramics and refractories. Only 3%-4% of zirconium ore is processed into metallic zirconium (or sponge zirconium), which is then further processed into various zirconium materials. Zirconium metal has a low thermal neutron absorption cross-section, giving it excellent nuclear properties. Nuclear-grade zirconium capitalizes on this property and is used as a structural material in nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and civilian power reactors, as well as in the cladding of uranium fuel elements. Nuclear-grade zirconium is considered a key national strategic metal and is closely linked to the development of the nuclear industry.

Zirconium, as a reactive metal, forms an oxide film at room temperature. This film imparts excellent corrosion resistance to zirconium and its alloys. Zirconium also possesses excellent mechanical and thermal conductivity properties, along with significant cost advantages, making it an excellent corrosion-resistant structural material in the petrochemical industry.

Industrial-grade zirconium is used in acid- and alkali-resistant chemical equipment, military, and electronics. In terms of processing ease, technological sophistication, and technological content, zirconium metal and its alloy products are at the top of the industry chain.