Zirconium Grade Comparison (702 / 704 / 705) – Exotic Metals
LLP
While all three grades share the same base corrosion
resistance, they are alloyed differently to optimize for strength or specific
chemical impurities.
Zirconium Grades
- Zirconium 702 (UNS R60702): Commercially pure zirconium (>99.2%). It is the most
common grade for chemical processing due to its excellent ductility and ease of
fabrication
- Zirconium 704 (UNS R60704): Alloyed with Tin (1.0–2.0%). It offers higher mechanical
strength and better performance in high-temperature steam environments, making it a
staple for nuclear applications
- Zirconium 705 (UNS R60705): Alloyed with Niobium (2.0–3.0%). This is the
high-strength variant, offering nearly double the yield strength of Grade 702 while
maintaining excellent formability
Mechanical Properties (Minimum Values)
| Grade |
UNS Number |
Tensile (MPa) |
Yield (MPa) |
Elongation (%) |
| Zr 702 |
R60702 |
≥ 380 |
≥ 205 |
16% |
| Zr 704 |
R60704 |
≥ 415 |
≥ 240 |
14% |
| Zr 705 |
R60705 |
≥ 550 |
≥ 380 |
16% |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element |
Zr 702 (Pure) |
Zr 704 (Tin Alloy) |
Zr 705 (Nb Alloy) |
| Zr + Hf (min) |
99.2 |
97.5 |
95.5 |
| Tin (Sn) |
— |
1.0–2.0 |
— |
| Niobium (Nb) |
— |
— |
2.0–3.0 |
| Fe + Cr (max) |
0.20 |
0.20–0.40 |
0.20 |
Key Industrial Applications
- Chemical Processing: Used in the production of acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, and
urea. Zirconium is one of the few materials that can handle sulfuric acid up to 70%
concentration above boiling temperatures
- Nuclear Power: Because of its low thermal neutron absorption cross-section,
zirconium (specifically low-hafnium grades) is the material of choice for fuel rod
cladding
- Medical Implants: Highly biocompatible and non-toxic, making it ideal for
specialized surgical tools and implants
Weight Chart: Zirconium Round Bar (Theoretical kg/m)
| Diameter (mm) |
Weight (kg/m) |
Diameter (inch) |
Weight (kg/m) |
| 10 mm |
0.51 |
1/2" |
0.82 |
| 25 mm |
3.20 |
1" |
3.29 |
| 50 mm |
12.78 |
2" |
13.18 |
| 100 mm |
51.13 |
4" |
52.74 |
Product Availability for Exotic Metals LLP
- Piping & Tubing: Seamless & Welded Pipe (ASTM B523 / B658)
- Fittings: Flanges, Reducers, Elbows, and custom-machined zirconium fasteners
- Flat Products: Plates (ASTM B551) for cladding and pressure vessel shells
- Bar Stock: Round, Hex, and Square bars (ASTM B550)
