Zirconium Mesh
Zirconium mesh is a specialty material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high temperature stability, and biocompatibility. It is suitable for use in harsh environments where materials such as stainless steel and even titanium may not perform at their optimal levels.
Comparison: Zirconium Mesh vs Titanium Mesh
Property | Zirconium Mesh | Titanium Mesh |
---|---|---|
Corrosion Resistance | Superior (handles strong acids) | Excellent (not suitable for HCl / H₂SO₄) |
Temperature Limit | Higher (~600 °C in air) | ~400 °C (Ti-6Al-4V) |
Biocompatibility | Good (less common in implants) | Excellent (widely used in medical implants) |
Nuclear Use | Preferred (low neutron absorption) | Not suitable |
Relative Cost | More expensive | More affordable |
Zirconium mesh type:
– Pure zirconium (Zr702, Zr704) – High corrosion resistance.
– Zirconium alloys (Zircaloy-2, Zircaloy-4) – Enhanced nuclear performance.
Zirconium mesh form:
Woven, wire mesh, perforated metal, or highly processed mesh filters.
Advantages over other materials:
Best suited for strong acid and nuclear applications (where titanium or stainless steel fails).
Higher temperature resistance than titanium.
Unreactive in biological environments (although less tested than titanium).
Disadvantages:
Higher cost than titanium or stainless steel.
Less common in medical applications (research is ongoing).
The main properties of zirconium mesh:
1. Extreme Corrosion Resistance
– More resistant to acids (HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃), alkalis, and salt water than titanium or stainless steel.
– Ideal for highly corrosive chemical processing environments.
2. High-Temperature Stability
– Maintains strength up to approximately 600°C (1112°F) in oxidizing environments, and even higher temperatures under inert/vacuum conditions.
– Used in furnaces, nuclear reactors, and aerospace applications.
3. Biocompatibility
– Non-toxic and biocompatible, it is suitable for use in medical implants (although less common than titanium).
4. Low Neutron Absorption
– Critical for nuclear industry applications (e.g., fuel rod cladding, reactor components).
5. Non-magnetic and Non-sparking
– Safe for use in explosive or MRI-sensitive environments.
Common applications of zirconium mesh:
1. Chemical and Process Industries
– Filtration and screening in corrosive acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid).
– Electrolytic cells (chlor-alkali industry).
– Linings for heat exchangers and reactors in corrosive environments.
2. Nuclear Industry
– Fuel rod cladding (zirconium alloys, such as Zircaloy-2/4).
– Radiation shielding mesh.
3. Medicine and Biomedical
– Dental implants and bone scaffolds (less common than titanium, but used in specialized cases).
– Surgical mesh for hernia repair (experimental applications).
4. Aerospace and High-Temperature Applications
– Heat shielding for rocket engines.
– Heat-resistant screens in industrial furnaces.
5. Electronics and Semiconductors
– Sputtering targets for thin film deposition.
– EMI/RFI shielding in specialized electronics.