Feb 28 2013
Topics Covered
IntroductionChemical compositionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal Properties
Introduction
Zirconium is a refractory metal having excellent corrosion resistance, low thermal neutron cross section and good heat resistance. Zirconium alloys have higher thermal properties than other refractory alloys and high thermal conductivity than stainless steel alloys. High corrosion resistance of these alloys is due to the protection of a metal-oxide interface by a tightly adhered protective oxide film. Standard fabrication techniques are used to manufacture the alloys
The following datasheet provides a detailed description of zircaloy-4.
Chemical composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of zircalloy-4.
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Zirconium, Zr |
97.56-98.27 |
| Tin, Sn |
1.20-1.70 |
| Iron + Chromium, Fe+Cr |
0.28-0.37 |
| Iron, Fe |
0.18-0.24 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of zircalloy-4 are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
6.56 g/cm³ |
0.237 lb/in³ |
| Melting point |
1850°C |
3360°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of zircalloy-4 are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength (room temperature, transverse) |
514 MPa |
74600 psi |
| Yield strength (room temperature, longitudinal) |
381 MPa |
55200 psi |
| Modulus of elasticity |
99.3 GPa |
14400 ksi |
| Poissons ratio |
0.37 |
0.37 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B |
89 |
89 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of zircalloy-4 are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (@20°C/68°F) |
6 µm/m°C |
3.3 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity |
21.5 W/mK |
149 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |