Characteristics of zirconium foil

(1) Material classification

Pure zirconium foil (≥ 99.5% Zr):

High purity zirconium (such as nuclear grade zirconium, Zr-702, Zr-704) is used for nuclear reactor cladding materials.

Ordinary industrial grade zirconium foil is used for corrosion-resistant equipment or experimental purposes.

Zirconium alloy foil (such as Zr-2, Zr-4):

Containing a small amount of elements such as Sn, Fe, Cr, etc., it enhances strength and corrosion resistance, mainly used in the nuclear industry.

(2) Key Performance

Melting point: 1852 ℃ (pure zirconium)

Density: 6.52 g/cm ³

Thermal neutron absorption cross section: 0.18 target En (extremely low, suitable for nuclear applications)

Corrosion resistance: resistant to hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, alkaline solution (except hydrofluoric acid)

Mechanical properties: high strength, good plasticity, can be cold-rolled into ultra-thin foil

Main purpose

(1) Nuclear industry

Nuclear fuel cladding: Zirconium alloy foils (such as Zr-2, Zr-4) are used to manufacture cladding tubes for nuclear fuel rods to prevent radioactive material leakage.

Reactor structural materials: used for control rods, pressure tubes, and other components.

(2) Chemical and anti-corrosion

Produce acid and alkali resistant sealing gaskets, liners, or reactor liners.

Except for hydrofluoric acid (HF), zirconium can be corroded by HF.

(3) Electronics and Vacuum Technology

Used for sputtering target materials (coating), vacuum furnace insulation layer, or electronic component packaging.

High purity zirconium foil can be used for semiconductor or superconducting material research.

(4) Research and Laboratory

High temperature experiments (such as molten salt electrolysis), corrosive sample containers.

Used as a sample support film for X-ray or neutron diffraction experiments.