Zirconium
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[TD]Zirconium Ring[/TD]
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- Zirconium has a H.C.P. /B.C.C. structure.
- Its melting point is 1852 °C.
- It has a density of 6.55 gms/cm3.
- It has a hardness of 140 V.H.N.
- Zirconium is used for cladding fuel elements and for structural components in water-cooled systems.
- Since zirconium has a relatively poor resistance to CO2 at high temperatures, 0.5% Cu, 0.5% Mo additions make it suitable for gas cooled reactors. This addition raises tensile strength and improves creep resistance at 450 °C.