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sales1@nickel-wiremesh.comZirconium Mesh
Zirconium mesh is a specialized material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, high-temperature stability, and biocompatibility. It is used in demanding environments where materials like stainless steel or even titanium may not perform optimally.
Key Properties of Zirconium Mesh:
- Extreme Corrosion Resistance
– Resists acids (HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃), alkalis, and saltwater better than titanium or stainless steel.
– Ideal for highly corrosive chemical processing environments.
- High-Temperature Stability
– Maintains strength up to ~600°C (1112°F) in oxidizing environments and higher in inert/vacuum conditions.
– Used in furnaces, nuclear reactors, and aerospace applications.
- Biocompatibility
– Non-toxic and biocompatible, making it suitable for medical implants (though less common than titanium).
- Low Neutron Absorption
– Critical for nuclear industry applications (e.g., fuel rod cladding, reactor components).
- Non-Magnetic & Non-Sparking
– Safe for use in explosive or MRI-sensitive environments.
Common Applications of Zirconium Mesh:
- Chemical & Process Industries
– Filtration & Sieving in aggressive acids (e.g., sulfuric, hydrochloric).
– Electrolysis cells (chlor-alkali industry).
– Heat exchangers & reactor linings in corrosive environments.
- Nuclear Industry
– Fuel rod cladding (zirconium alloys like Zircaloy-2/4).
– Radiation shielding mesh structures.
- Medical & Biomedical
– Dental implants & bone scaffolds (less common than Ti but used in niche cases).
– Surgical mesh for hernia repair (experimental applications).
- Aerospace & High-Temperature Uses
– Thermal shielding in rocket engines.
– Heat-resistant screens in industrial furnaces.
- Electronics & Semiconductors
– Sputtering targets for thin-film deposition.
– EMI/RFI shielding in specialized electronics.
Comparison: Zirconium Mesh vs. Titanium Mesh:
| Property | Zirconium Mesh | Titanium Mesh |
| Corrosion Resistance | Superior (handles strong acids) | Excellent (but not for HCl/H₂SO₄) |
| Temperature Limit | Higher (~600°C in air) | ~400°C (Ti-6Al-4V) |
| Biocompatibility | Good (less common in implants) | Excellent (widely used) |
| Nuclear Use | Preferred (low neutron absorption) | Not suitable |
| Cost | More expensive | More affordable |
Types of Zirconium Mesh:
– Pure Zirconium (Zr702, Zr704) – High corrosion resistance.
– Zirconium Alloys (Zircaloy-2, Zircaloy-4) – Enhanced nuclear properties.
Forms of Zirconium Mesh:
Woven Mesh, Expanded metal, perforated metal or Deep processed Mesh filters.
Advantages Over Other Materials:
✔ Best for extreme acids & nuclear applications (where Ti or stainless steel fail).
✔ Higher temperature tolerance than titanium.
✔ Non-reactive in biological environments (though less tested than Ti).
Disadvantages:
❌ Higher cost than titanium or stainless steel.
❌ Less common in medical use (research ongoing).
