Technical Specifications:
- Material: Zirconium Nitride (ZrN)
- Purity: 99.97% or higher
- Particle Size: 3.5 µm (microns)
- Shape: Cubic crystals
- Density: Approximately 7.1 g/cm³
- Melting Point: Approximately 2,800°C (5,072°F)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at approximately 3,400°C (6,152°F)
Chemical Composition:
- Zirconium (Zr): ~75%
- Nitrogen (N): ~25%
Applications:
1. Wear-Resistant Coatings:
- Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) is widely used in wear-resistant coatings for tools, machinery, and engine components. The 3.5 µm powder is particularly useful in coating materials to enhance hardness, abrasion resistance, and durability.
- ZrN is often applied via physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to create hard coatings for cutting tools, drilling equipment, valves, and seals exposed to extreme wear in industries like aerospace, automotive, and mining.
2. Aerospace and Defense:
- Zirconium Nitride is used in aerospace applications for components that require high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. The cubic crystal structure ensures uniform performance in turbine blades, heat shields, and nozzles that operate under extreme heat and thermal shock.
- It is also used in defense industries for ballistic armor and armor-piercing ammunition, where hardness and strength are essential for impact resistance.
3. Electronics and Semiconductor Devices:
- ZrN is utilized in the electronics industry for the production of high-performance semiconductors, electrical contacts, and electrodes. Its high electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for use in microelectronics and power electronics.
- It is used to fabricate components in semiconductor devices and transistors that require excellent thermal stability and conductivity in high-temperature and high-voltage applications.
4. High-Temperature Applications:
- Due to its high melting point and thermal stability, ZrN is used in high-temperature applications, such as furnace linings, kilns, and high-temperature reactors.
- The 3.5 µm powder size is ideal for making refractory materials that must withstand extreme temperatures and thermal shock, making it suitable for metallurgy, glass manufacturing, and ceramic processing.
5. Superhard Materials:
- Zirconium Nitride is known for its superhardness, making it an excellent material for the production of superhard composites. It is used in abrasive tools and cutting inserts for industries requiring precision machining of hard metals, ceramics, and composites.
- The 3.5 µm particle size is ideal for applications where fine grinding or precision polishing is required.
6. Catalyst Supports and Hydrogenation:
- ZrN is used as a catalyst support in hydrogenation and other chemical processes that require high-temperature stability and chemical resistance. Its ability to remain stable under extreme conditions makes it valuable in industrial catalytic processes, particularly in fuel production, hydrocracking, and synthetic fuel synthesis.
- It is used in refining processes to enhance the efficiency of catalysts in chemical manufacturing.
7. Nuclear Applications:
- Zirconium Nitride is utilized in the nuclear industry due to its radiation resistance and thermal stability. The material is used in the cladding of nuclear fuel in reactors to ensure the integrity of the fuel under high radiation and temperature conditions.
- ZrN’s properties make it suitable for use in advanced nuclear reactor designs, where high-performance materials are required for radiation shielding and fuel cladding.
8. Wear-Resistant Coatings for Medical Devices:
- ZrN is used for the coating of medical devices such as surgical instruments, dental tools, and implants. Its biocompatibility and resistance to wear and corrosion make it ideal for use in applications that require long-term durability and resistance to biological fluids.
- It is particularly effective in applications where high hardness and smooth surfaces are required, such as in joint replacements and prosthetics.
9. Energy Storage and Supercapacitors:
- ZrN is being explored in energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries due to its conductivity and stability under high electrical stress. Its fine particle size improves electrical efficiency and cycle stability in energy storage systems.
- This makes ZrN a candidate material for use in high-capacity energy storage systems, including those used in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage.
10. Research and Development:
- ZrN powder is used extensively in research and development due to its exceptional properties. Researchers explore its potential in the development of advanced materials, nanoelectronics, and superhard coatings.
- ZrN is being investigated for use in emerging technologies like nanocomposites, ultra-durable coatings, and new-generation semiconductor devices.
Summary:
Zirconium Nitride Micron Powder (ZrN, 99.97%, 3.5 µm, Cubic) is a high-performance material with exceptional hardness, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity. It is widely used in wear-resistant coatings, cutting tools, aerospace components, nuclear reactors, electronic devices, and high-temperature applications. The cubic crystal structure of the powder ensures excellent mechanical and thermal properties in extreme environments. ZrN’s unique combination of properties makes it indispensable for industries requiring durability, precision, and performance under high stress and temperature.