Technical Specifications:
- Material: Zirconium Diboride (ZrB₂)
- Purity: 99.5% or higher
- Particle Size: 5.5 μm (microns)
- Shape: Hexagonal crystals
- Density: Approximately 6.1 g/cm³
- Melting Point: Approximately 3,250°C (5,922°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at approximately 4,500°C (8,132°F)
Chemical Composition:
- Zirconium (Zr): ~75%
- Boron (B): ~25%
Applications:
1. Aerospace and Defense:
- Zirconium Diboride (ZrB₂) is used in aerospace applications due to its high melting point and thermal stability. It is used for components like re-entry vehicle parts, spacecraft thermal protection systems, and high-performance nozzles.
- ZrB₂ is employed in ballistic armor and armor-piercing ammunition for the defense industry, where its extreme hardness and strength make it suitable for protective armor in military vehicles and protective gear.
2. Refractory Materials:
- Zirconium Diboride is used in refractory applications due to its thermal stability and resistance to oxidation at high temperatures. The 5.5 µm powder is ideal for furnace linings, kilns, and high-temperature reactors.
- ZrB₂’s extreme thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal shock make it an excellent material for use in industries such as metallurgy, glass manufacturing, and ceramics.
3. Cutting Tools and Abrasives:
- ZrB₂ is used in cutting tools and abrasive materials due to its hardness and wear resistance. The hexagonal shape of the crystals improves the mechanical properties of machining tools and grinding wheels used in metalworking and mining industries.
- It is used in the production of high-performance cutting inserts and abrasive pads designed for hard metal machining and surface finishing.
4. Electronics and Semiconductors:
- Zirconium Diboride has potential in electronics due to its conductivity and stability under high temperatures. It is used in electrical contacts, electrodes, and semiconductor devices where high current conductivity and resistance to high temperatures are required.
- It is also used in electronic packaging materials and sensors for devices that need to operate reliably in extreme environments, such as those found in space exploration and military applications.
5. High-Temperature Electronics:
- ZrB₂’s high thermal conductivity and thermal stability make it an ideal material for high-temperature electronic applications, particularly in the production of high-power components like power semiconductors and electronic devices used in automotive and aerospace industries.
- It is employed in heat sinks and thermal interface materials where effective heat dissipation is critical for maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
6. Nuclear Applications:
- Zirconium Diboride is used in nuclear reactors due to its neutron-absorbing properties, thermal stability, and resistance to radiation damage. It is used in fuel cladding and control rods in nuclear reactors, where reliable performance under high radiation is required.
- ZrB₂ is particularly valuable in high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and other advanced nuclear reactor designs, ensuring durability and radiation shielding.
7. Superconducting Materials:
- ZrB₂ is being investigated for use in superconducting applications due to its potential high electrical conductivity and low magnetic susceptibility. It can be used in superconducting magnets, high-field magnets, and advanced magnetic materials.
- Research is exploring the use of ZrB₂ in energy-efficient technologies, where its properties could enhance the performance of superconducting systems and quantum computing devices.
8. Energy Storage and Fuel Cells:
- ZrB₂ is also being researched in energy storage applications, especially in hydrogen storage systems and fuel cells, where it can act as an efficient hydrogen storage medium. The high hydrogen absorption capacity and thermal conductivity make it an ideal candidate for hydrogen-based energy systems.
9. Biomedical Applications:
- Zirconium Diboride is sometimes used in biomedical devices, particularly in surgical tools, implants, and prosthetics that require high wear resistance, strength, and corrosion resistance. Its biocompatibility makes it a potential material for use in long-lasting implants.
10. Research and Development:
- ZrB₂ is widely used in research and development for creating new materials with enhanced properties in fields like nanotechnology, high-performance materials, and superhard composites. Its unique combination of thermal stability, hardness, and conductivity make it a valuable material for exploring new applications in high-tech industries and advanced materials.
- Researchers explore the role of ZrB₂ in coatings, nanoelectronics, and nanocomposites for use in semiconductor devices and energy systems.
Summary:
Zirconium Diboride Micron Powder (ZrB₂, 99.5%, 5.5 µm, Hexagonal) is a high-performance material known for its extreme hardness, thermal stability, high conductivity, and wear resistance. It is widely used in aerospace, nuclear reactors, cutting tools, electronics, and high-temperature applications. The fine 5.5 µm particle size allows for excellent dispersion in coatings and composites, ensuring enhanced mechanical properties in high-performance materials used in extreme environments. Its unique properties make it indispensable in industries requiring durability, strength, and high-performance materials under harsh conditions.
