Tsirkooniumi

Tsirkooniumi is the Finnish name for the chemical element zirconium, which has the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a lustrous, silvery-white, strong transition metal that is resistant to corrosion. Zirconium is found in various minerals, with zircon (zirconium silicate, ZrSiO4) being the most commercially important source. It is relatively abundant in the Earth's crust.

In its pure form, zirconium is soft, but when alloyed with other elements, it becomes significantly stronger and harder. The metal is highly resistant to heat and corrosion, making it valuable in applications where these properties are crucial. It is known for its ability to withstand attack from acids and alkalis. Zirconium has a very low neutron absorption cross-section, which is a key characteristic that leads to its use in nuclear technology.

The primary uses of zirconium include its application in nuclear reactors, where it is used in fuel cladding and structural components due to its low neutron absorption and high melting point. It is also utilized in the chemical industry for its corrosion resistance, in the production of ceramics, and in high-temperature alloys. Zirconium dioxide, a compound of zirconium, is known for its hardness and is used in abrasives, refractories, and as a gemstone substitute (cubic zirconia). Zirconium metal is also used in flashbulbs and in some types of steel alloys to improve strength and toughness.