1. Good nuclear performance
Low neutron absorption cross section, its thermal neutron absorption cross section is only 0.18 barn, which can reduce neutron loss, improve the neutron economy of nuclear reactors, and enable the chain reaction in the reactor to be efficiently maintained.
It has good radiation resistance. It can still maintain stable physical and mechanical properties under long-term strong neutron irradiation, avoiding the degradation of material properties caused by radiation and affecting the normal operation and safety of the reactor.
2. Excellent corrosion resistance
It can remain stable in the high-temperature and high-pressure reactor coolant environment and resist the corrosion of various chemicals in the coolant. For example, in light water reactors, it must be able to withstand the corrosion of high-temperature and high-pressure boron-containing water to ensure the sealing and structural integrity of the reactor.
It has the ability to resist stress corrosion cracking, preventing the occurrence and expansion of cracks on the material surface due to the synergistic effect of stress and corrosion environment during the operation of the reactor, thereby causing safety accidents.
3. Good mechanical properties
It has high strength and toughness to withstand various mechanical loads during the operation of the reactor, such as pressure changes and thermal stress during the start-up, shutdown and normal operation of the reactor, to ensure that the structural components made of zirconium plates will not deform or break.
It has good high-temperature mechanical properties and can still maintain sufficient strength and rigidity under the high temperature conditions of the reactor operation.
4. Accurate dimensional accuracy
The dimensional accuracy requirements are high. The dimensional tolerances of zirconium plates such as thickness and width are usually controlled within a very small range. For example, the thickness tolerance is generally within ±0.05mm to ensure its precise fit with other parts of the reactor and ensure the normal operation of the reactor.
5. Good surface quality
The surface roughness is low and there are no obvious defects, such as cracks, pores, inclusions, etc., to avoid these defects becoming stress concentration sources or corrosion starting points, affecting the performance and service life of the zirconium plate.
