99.9% Zirconium Foil
- High purity 99.9% (3N) zirconium foil for critical applications
- Excellent corrosion resistance in acids, alkalis, and high-temperature water
- Low neutron absorption cross-section — ideal for nuclear applications
- Strong oxygen affinity — used as a getter in vacuum tubes and electronic devices
- Good formability and ductility for complex shapes and deep drawing Density 6.51 g/cm³, melting point 1855°C Available in thickness 0.01–0.5mm, width up to 300mm, length customizable Surface finishes: bright, pickled, polished, annealed
Description Of 99.9% Zirconium Foil
99.9% Zirconium Foil is a thin, flexible sheet of high-purity zirconium metal with a purity of 99.9% (3N). It is manufactured from high-purity zirconium sponge or crystal bars through vacuum arc remelting (VAR), forging, hot rolling, cold rolling, and precision annealing processes. The foil is available in thicknesses from 0.01mm to 0.5mm, widths up to 300mm, and custom lengths.
Zirconium is a silver-grey transition metal with a density of 6.51 g/cm³ and a melting point of 1855°C. It offers outstanding corrosion resistance in hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, and strong alkalis. Its low neutron absorption cross-section makes it indispensable in the nuclear industry for fuel cladding and core structural components. Zirconium also has a strong affinity for oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, making it an effective getter material in vacuum tubes, electronic devices, and high-purity gas purification systems.
99.9% zirconium foil is widely used in nuclear reactor components, chemical processing equipment, electronics, getters, optical coatings, medical devices, and research laboratories. The foil can be supplied in bright, pickled, polished, or annealed condition, with custom thicknesses, widths, and shapes available upon request.
Applications Of 99.9% Zirconium Foil
Nuclear Industry: Fuel cladding, pressure tubes, guide tubes, and core structural components. Zirconium's low neutron absorption cross-section makes it the standard material for nuclear fuel cladding.
Chemical Processing: Linings, gaskets, heat exchangers, and corrosion-resistant barriers for handling hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid.
Electronics and Vacuum Tubes: Getter material for absorbing residual gases in vacuum tubes, electron tubes, and high-purity gas systems.
Optical Coatings: Zirconium foil is used as an evaporation source for depositing zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) and zirconium nitride (ZrN) optical films.
Medical Devices: Components for implantable devices, surgical instruments, and radiation therapy equipment.
Aerospace: Lightweight structural components and high-temperature applications.
Research and Development: Laboratory crucibles, sample holders, and experimental components.
Decorative Coatings: Zirconium foil is used for decorative PVD coatings on consumer electronics and automotive parts.
Usage Precautions and Limitations Of 99.9% Zirconium Foil
Hydrofluoric Acid Resistance: Zirconium is NOT resistant to hydrofluoric acid (HF) and will be rapidly attacked even at low concentrations. Avoid contact with HF-containing media.
Handling and Storage: Zirconium foil is thin and can be easily damaged. Handle with clean gloves to avoid surface contamination. Store in a dry, clean environment, preferably in protective packaging.
Cleaning: Clean with a soft cloth or mild solvent. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface or introduce contamination.
Oxidation: Zirconium forms a protective oxide film at room temperature, but at elevated temperatures in air, it can oxidize rapidly. Use in vacuum or inert gas atmospheres for high-temperature applications.
Welding and Joining: Zirconium must be welded in an inert gas atmosphere (argon) to prevent contamination and embrittlement.
Galvanic Corrosion: Avoid contact with dissimilar metals in the presence of an electrolyte, as galvanic corrosion may occur.
Compatibility Verification: Before ordering, verify that the purity, thickness, width, and surface finish are compatible with your specific application requirements.
Specifications Of 99.9% Zirconium Foil
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Zirconium (Zr) metal |
| Purity | ≥99.9% (3N) |
| Grade | Zr702 (R60702), Zr704 (R60704), Zr705 (R60705) |
| Density | 6.51 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1855°C |
| Boiling Point | ~4400°C |
| Thickness | 0.01 – 0.5 mm (customizable) |
| Width | Up to 300 mm (customizable) |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.005 mm (typical for thin foil) |
| Surface Finish | Bright, pickled, polished, annealed |