Zirconium is a rare metal. It is a carbide forming element. Zirconium is a powerful deoxidizing and denitrifying element used in steelmaking. Zirconium can refine the austenite grains of steel. It can be combined with sulfur to form zirconium sulfide, thus preventing hot embrittlement of steel. Zirconium also has the advantages of reducing strain aging and improving low temperature toughness of steel. Zirconium acts like titanium in cast iron. It forms zirconium carbide, which combines with sulfur to form sulfides. Accelerates the formation of graphite on cooling. A small amount of zirconium is conducive to the graphitization of white cast iron, so that white iron ash mouth. Shortening annealing time in ductile cast iron production.
The most commonly used irconium alloys are zirconium, aluminum-zirconium, and zirconium. They are available in several grades. The lower grade alloys contain Zr 5 -- 8% and Si 40 -- 45%; The medium grade alloy contains ZR 12 -- 15% and Si 39 -- 43%; High-grade alloys contain Zr 35 -- 40%, Si 47 -- 52%, and the remainder Fe or Al. There is also a patented composite alloy, containing less than 10% Zr, but also containing Mn, Al, Si, Ti and other elements. Nickel-zirconium alloys contain 30% or 70% Zr. Iron zirconium produced by remelting metal Zr and scrap steel is one of the most widely used products with Zr content in the range of 40 -- 90%. Because zirconium is one of the strongest deoxidizer in steelmaking and the special role of zirconium in steel, iron zirconium is used as deoxidizer and alloy additive in high temperature alloy, low alloy high strength steel, ultra-high strength steel and cast iron for special purposes, and then used in atomic technology, aviation manufacturing, radio technology, etc. Iron zirconium silicon can be prepared by refining composite Si-containing alloys.
