1.What is zirconium alloy used for?
Nuclear Field: It is mainly used as fuel rod cladding and structural materials in nuclear reactors due to its low thermal neutron absorption cross - section, good compatibility with nuclear fuel, and excellent corrosion resistance in high - temperature and high - pressure water and steam.
Chemical Industry: Zirconium alloys are used to make corrosion - resistant parts and pharmaceutical devices because of their excellent corrosion resistance to various acids, alkalis, and salts.
Electrical Vacuum and Light Bulb Industry: Zirconium and zirconium alloys have a strong affinity for oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases, so they are widely used as non - evaporable getters.
Medical Field: Some zirconium alloys, such as Zr - 2.5Nb alloy, can be made into knee or hip implants due to their biocompatibility. They can reduce friction, increase wear resistance, and maintain overall performance.
2.What are the properties of zirconium alloys?
Good Corrosion Resistance: It has excellent corrosion resistance in high - temperature and high - pressure water and steam at 300 - 400 °C, and can also resist the corrosion of various acids, alkalis, and salts.
Moderate Mechanical Properties: It has appropriate strength, hardness, and ductility, which can meet the requirements of different application scenarios.
Low Thermal Neutron Absorption Cross - Section: This property makes it very suitable for use in the nuclear field, which can reduce neutron loss and improve the efficiency of nuclear reactors.
Good Compatibility with Nuclear Fuel: It can maintain stable performance when in contact with nuclear fuel and will not have a negative impact on the operation of nuclear reactors.
