Zirconium

Zirconium is a metal used in Nuclear ReactorNuclear ReactorIn it's most simplest form, a nuclear reactor uses Uranium and other radioactive materials and the fission from uranium to create heat, and transfer that heat into steam to create power. Nuclear reactors are one of the biggest sources of energy, although not renewable, uranium has a very high energy density resulting in massive power transmissions. There are many different types of nuclear reactors, and this term serves as a broad hub/introduction for each type. After uranium is used in reacto claddingreactor claddingCladding is the thin walled metal tube that composes the outside of a fuel rod. It's purpose is to prevent corrosion of the fuel by the coolant & release of fission contents into the coolant. Although Zirconium alloy is common, aluminum and stainless steel is also used. Cladding Types Zirconium alloy has been used for so long due to it's properties being very good for nuclear reactors. * New research suggests that there is an alternative - SiGA cladding. This cladding is made from silicon car

Zirconium has excellent heat transfer properties and allows for efficient heat transfer. However, it has a negative reaction called Zircaloy hydriding, where zirconium and hydrogen combine for form zirconium hydride, embrittling reactor cladding and resulting in perforations.