Zirconium - Refractory Metal. Using Zirconia In Industry And In Medicine

Zirconium is a rare refractory metal of white-silver color, the 40th element of the periodic table of Mendeleyev. Metal zirconium was obtained from zircon (mineral) only at the beginning of the 19th century.

Zirconium, like other refractory metals, for example, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum and others, is distinguished by high resistance to corrosion. Also, zirconium does not respond to the environment, it is resistant to solutions of organic acids and alkalis.

The use of zirconium

The most widespread use of zirconium is found in ferrous metallurgy. Zirconium has a deoxidizing effect, and also reduces the amount of gases and sulfur that make up the steel, thereby making it less plastic.

Steels, where zirconium is used as the alloying element, is used for the production of armor plates. 0.1% of zirconium, which is part of the steel, increases its resistance to loads by a factor of 2.

The use of zirconium does not lag behind the non-ferrous metallurgy. Zirconium is a part of aluminum alloys, increasing their heat resistance. In the composition of magnesium alloys, zirconium improves their resistance to corrosion.

The refractoriness of zirconium and its resistance to corrosion cause widespread use of zirconium in various industries. Catalysts, laboratory and medical equipment, dies for making artificial fibers, parts of hot fittings - not a complete list of products made from zirconium.

In addition to the use in industry (nuclear power engineering, pyrotechnics, etc.), thanks to its therapeutic and antiseptic properties, zirconium is also used in medicine.

Zirconium alloys have shown excellent compatibility with biological tissues and a beneficial effect on them, in addition, they do not irritate bones and soft tissues. So, for example, zirconia earrings promote the healing of the ear lobe after piercing a few days earlier than the gold earrings. According to medical research, the condition of patients who constantly wore zirconium products is noticeably improving.

With dermatitis, children's eczema, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and spine, as well as fractures of zirconium has a beneficial effect, a positive effect is observed in more than 90% of patients.

Zirconium is used as a material for implants in dentistry and plates for maxillofacial surgery.

In health improvement, no less popular are ornaments made of zirconium. Anodic oxide film allows to impart any color and shade to zirconium. Exquisite design, unusual color, lightness and extraordinary strength, resistance to the influence of aggressive environment favorably distinguishes products from zirconium against the background of others.