Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a silvery-gray transition metal that is present in many minerals, including zircon, baddeleyite, and wernerite, and is also found in metal alloys, such as stainless steel. Zirconium is a versatile element that has a wide range of uses, from nuclear reactors to jewelry.
It has a variety of properties, from its atomic number and mass to its melting and boiling points, that enable it to be used in such a variety of applications.
Introduction
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a silvery-gray transition metal that is present in many minerals, including zircon, baddeleyite, and wernerite, and is also found in metal alloys, such as stainless steel. Zirconium is a versatile element that has a wide range of uses, from nuclear reactors to jewelry.
It has a variety of properties, from its atomic number and mass to its melting and boiling points, that enable it to be used in such a variety of applications.
Zirconium has a melting point of 1852°C and a boiling point of 4400°C, making it a good heat conductor as well as a good insulator of electricity. Its density is 6.52 g/cm3 and it is considered a moderately hard material with a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7.5, which is only slightly harder than steel. It also has a relatively high thermal conductivity of 30 W/mK, allowing it to transfer heat quickly and efficiently, and a low electrical resistivity of 30 µΩ·m.
Zirconium, crystal bar 99,97%
Atomic Number and Mass:
The atomic number of zirconium is 40 with an atomic mass of 91.224 amu. Its atomic number falls within the fourth period of the periodic table and is grouped within the fourth transition element series. It is located in group 4 of the periodic table and is categorized as a transition metal. The element is found in the 5th electron shell and has an electron configuration of [Kr] 4d2 5s2.
Isotopes:
Zirconium has five stable isotopes, including 90Zr, 91Zr, 92Zr, 94Zr, and 96Zr. 90Zr is the most abundant isotope, making up 51.45% of naturally occurring zirconium. The other isotopes make up the remaining 48.55%.
Oxidation States:
Zirconium is capable of forming oxidation states from -2 to +8. Its most common oxidation states are +4 and +2, which it uses to form compounds with other elements.
Compounds and Alloys:
Zirconium is capable of forming a variety of compounds, such as zirconium oxide and zirconium carbide, as well as alloys. Zirconium oxide is used as an abrasive due to its hardness and is also used in the production of ceramics. Zirconium carbide is used for its hardness and is commonly used in cutting tools. Zirconium-based alloys are used in nuclear reactors due to their ability to absorb radiation without becoming radioactive themselves.
Uses:
Zirconium has a variety of uses, from jewelry to nuclear reactors. It is used in the production of jewelry due to its lustrous appearance and resistance to corrosion. Zirconium is also used in the medical field for implants and prosthetics due to its low reactivity with body fluids. The element is also used in the production of polymers as a hardening agent. Finally, zirconium is used in nuclear reactors due to its ability to absorb radiation without becoming radioactive itself.
Chemical Properties
Zirconium is an element with the atomic number of 40 and a mass of 91.224. It has a place in the periodic table of elements on the fourth period in the fourth group, or the fourth row and the fourth column. This means that it’s based on a 4s2 electron configuration, with four electrons in the highest s orbital. It also has five isotopes, with all but one being stable. The most commonly found is the zirconium-90 isotope, but the other isotopes are also found in nature.
The element has a number of oxidation states, with the common ones being +3, +4, and +2. Oxygen is the most prevalent in forming compounds, but it is also capable of forming compounds with other elements in different oxidation states. It is also capable of forming complexes with organic molecules like proteins and peptides.
Zirconium has a melting point of 1855°C and a boiling point of 4409°C. Its density is 6.52 g/cm3, making it lighter than most metals. It is also one of the least reactive elements around, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 Mohs. It also has a low thermal conductivity of 24.8 W/mK at room temperature and an electrical resistivity of 140 μΩ•m at 25°C.
In its pure form, zirconium is virtually insoluble in water. However, when it is in its oxide form, it is much more soluble. This has made it useful in the production of zirconium oxide for various uses, such as in the production of ceramic materials. Other compounds of zirconium have also been developed, such as zirconium carbide, nitride, and boride.
Zirconium can also be alloyed with other metals to create a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel and high-temperature alloys. Most of these alloys are designed to be corrosion-resistant and are often used in the production of pipes, valves, and other components for use in the chemical and petrochemical industries.
Finally, some of these alloys can also be used in the production of jewelry and other decorative items. Zirconium-based alloys are also used in the production of polymers, as they are lightweight yet strong and durable.
Physical Properties
Zirconium, with an atomic number of 40, is a transition metal on the periodic table classified as part of group 4. It has a number of physical properties that makes it a valuable material for a variety of applications.
One of the most important physical properties of zirconium is its melting and boiling point. Its melting point is at 1,937°C (3,479°F), while its boiling point is at 4,377°C (7,911°F). In comparison to other elements, these temperatures are relatively high. As such, zirconium is often used in high-temperature applications such as nuclear reactors and aerospace components.
The density of zirconium is also relatively high, at 6.49 grams per cubic centimeter. Its hardness is also high, making it difficult to shape and form the element. Its hardness is typically measured at 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Zirconium also has a high thermal conductivity, meaning it is great for transferring heat. Its electrical resistivity is also relatively low, meaning it is highly conductive. These properties are used in a variety of electronics and semiconductor components.
Thanks to these physical properties, zirconium is an excellent material for a variety of applications. Its high melting point and hardness make it especially useful for high-temperature and structural applications. Its thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity make it useful for electronics and semiconductor components. As such, zirconium is used in many industries for a variety of purposes.
Compounds and Alloys
Zirconium is one of the most commonly used elements in alloys and compounds found in a wide range of industries. Here, we explore the various compounds and alloys of zirconium that are used and the possible applications.
Zirconium Oxide:
One of the main compounds of zirconium is zirconium oxide (ZrO2). This compound is known for its extreme hardness and its ability to resist high temperatures. It is used in a wide range of applications, such as optical lenses, gemstones, and high-temperature insulation materials. It is also used in prosthetics as well as in the construction and aerospace industries.
Zirconium Carbide:
Another compound of zirconium is zirconium carbide (ZrC). ZrC is incredibly hard and has a high melting point, making it ideal for use in the production of cutting tools and wear-resistant materials. It is also used in the production of advanced ceramics, such as electrical components and nuclear fuel.
Zirconium Nitride:
Yet another compound of zirconium is zirconium nitride (ZrN). ZrN is used in the production of wear-resistant coatings and hard-facing materials. It is also used in the production of high-strength and heat-resistant alloys.
Zirconium-Based Alloys:
Zirconium is commonly used in the production of various alloys. These alloys are used in a wide range of industries, such as construction, aerospace, and defense. The most common zirconium-based alloys are Zircaloy, which is used in the production of nuclear fuel, and Zirconolite, which is used in armor plating and military equipment. Other common alloys include Zirconox and Zirwolf.
These zirconium-based alloys are known for their excellent strength and corrosion resistance. These properties make them ideal for use in a variety of applications, such as in the transportation, medical, and energy industries.
Overall, zirconium is an incredibly versatile element. It is used in a wide range of compounds and alloys, which can be found in many different industries. From medical implants to nuclear reactors, zirconium is a key element that is used in many different applications.
Uses
Zirconium is an essential element for several industries due to its unique elemental properties. This element is used in a variety of products ranging from medical implants to jewelry. Understanding how zirconium is used helps to understand its impact in the world.
Nuclear Reactors:
Zirconium is an important component in nuclear reactor construction. Zirconium-based alloys are used to clad the fuel elements in light-water reactors and to form the pressure tubes in heavy-water reactors. This is due to zirconium’s high corrosion resistance and low neutron absorption ratio. Zirconium is also used in nuclear propulsion plants and fusion reactors.
Medical Implants:
Zirconium-based alloys are often used for medical implants due to their biocompatibility and biostability. Zirconium-based implants are also known for their good fracture toughness and wear corrosion resistance. Zirconium-based implants are used for hip, knee, and shoulder replacement.
Jewelry:
Zirconium is a popular choice for jewelry because of its ability to remain scratch-free and its ability to hold a polish for a very long time. Zirconium rings are a popular choice among couples getting married due to the durability of the material and the ability to customize the look and design of the rings.
Polymers:
Zirconium is also used in polymers due to its inert nature. Zirconium-based polymers have excellent mechanical properties such as good tensile strength, good impact strength, and heat resistance. The addition of zirconium to polymers helps to increase the strength and rigidity of the polymer.
Zirconium is an essential element for several industries due to its unique elemental properties. As evidenced by its various uses in the fields of nuclear reactors, medical implants, jewelry, and polymers, zirconium is an incredibly versatile element that can be used in a variety of ways. Its high corrosion resistance and low neutron absorption ratio make it a perfect choice for components that require durability and reliability.
Zirconium-based alloys are also popular for medical implants due to their biocompatibility and biostability. Zirconium is also an ideal choice for jewelry due to its ability to remain scratch-free and its ability to hold a polish for a long time. Finally, zirconium is used in polymers to increase their strength and rigidity.
Facts
Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr
Its atomic number is 40.
The name zirconium is derived from the name of the mineral zircon, the most important source of zirconium
The word is related to Persian zargun (“gold-like” or “as gold”)
It is a lustrous, grey-white, strong transition metal
Martin Heinrich Klaproth discovered zirconium in Berlin in 1789.
Five isotopes occur naturally, four of which are stable
90Zr is the most common, making up 51.45% of all zirconium
Twenty-eight artificial isotopes of zirconium have been synthesized, ranging in atomic mass from 78 to 110.
The melting point of zirconium is 1855 °C
the boiling point of zirconium is 4409 °C
Zirconium has a concentration of about 130 mg/kg within the Earth’s crust and about 0.026 μg/L in sea water
annual worldwide zirconium production is approximately 900,000 tonnes
Zirconium also occurs in more than 140 other minerals
As of 2013, two-thirds of zircon mining occurs in Australia and South Africa
Zirconium is a transition metal with a greyish white color.
Zirconium is not believed to play a part in living organisms.
Zirconium is relatively abundant in S-type stars, and has been detected in the sun and in meteorites
Lunar rock samples brought back from the moon have a high zirconium oxide content
In powder form, zirconium is highly flammable
Data
| Zirconium | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Pronunciation | zur-KOH-nee-əm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearance | silvery white | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Standard atomic weight Ar°(Zr) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Zirconium in the periodic table | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Atomic number (Z) | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Group | group 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Period | period 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Block | d-block | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d2 5s2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 10, 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Physical properties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Phase at STP | solid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Melting point | 2125 K (1852 °C, 3365 °F) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Boiling point | 4650 K (4377 °C, 7911 °F) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Density (near r.t.) | 6.52 g/cm3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| when liquid (at m.p.) | 5.8 g/cm3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heat of fusion | 14 kJ/mol | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Heat of vaporization | 591 kJ/mol | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Molar heat capacity | 25.36 J/(mol·K) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vapor pressure
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| Atomic properties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Oxidation states | −2, 0, +1,[2] +2, +3, +4 (an amphoteric oxide) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electronegativity | Pauling scale: 1.33 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ionization energies |
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| Atomic radius | empirical: 160 pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Covalent radius | 175±7 pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other properties | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural occurrence | primordial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crystal structure | hexagonal close-packed (hcp) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Speed of sound thin rod | 3800 m/s (at 20 °C) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thermal expansion | 5.7 µm/(m⋅K) (at 25 °C) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thermal conductivity | 22.6 W/(m⋅K) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electrical resistivity | 421 nΩ⋅m (at 20 °C) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Magnetic ordering | paramagnetic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Young’s modulus | 88 GPa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shear modulus | 33 GPa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bulk modulus | 91.1 GPa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Poisson ratio | 0.34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mohs hardness | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vickers hardness | 820–1800 MPa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brinell hardness | 638–1880 MPa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CAS Number | 7440-67-7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Naming | after zircon, zargun meaning “gold-colored”. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Discovery | Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1789) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First isolation | Jöns Jakob Berzelius (1824) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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