zirconbasierte

Zirconbasierte refers to materials or compounds that contain zirconium as a primary component. Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a lustrous, silvery-white, strong, ductile, and malleable metal that is resistant to corrosion. In its elemental form, it is rarely used directly, but it forms the basis for a wide array of valuable compounds and alloys.

The most common naturally occurring mineral of zirconium is zircon (ZrSiO4). Zircon is a gemstone and also a significant source of zirconium for industrial applications. Zircon-based materials are known for their high melting points, excellent chemical stability, and resistance to wear. This makes them suitable for various demanding environments.

Applications for zircon-based materials are diverse. In ceramics, zirconium dioxide (zirconia, ZrO2) is widely used due to its exceptional hardness, toughness, and thermal insulation properties. It finds use in dental implants, cutting tools, high-temperature refractories, and as a component in thermal barrier coatings for jet engines. Zirconium alloys, particularly with niobium or tin, are employed in nuclear reactors due to their low neutron absorption cross-section. Zirconium compounds also feature in pigments, catalysts, and as opacifiers in glazes and enamels. The term "zirconbasierte" encapsulates this broad category of materials leveraging the unique properties of zirconium.