On the Corrosion Resistance of Commercially Pure Zirconium

Abstract

Corrosion resistance of commercially pure zirconium has been investigated in comparison with commercially titanium, in order to accumulate corrosion data required in applying them to chemical plants as a construction material. Zirconium is perfectly resistant to hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and organic acids such as formic, oxalic, acetic and chloro acetic acids in all concentrations and temperatures, and resistant to sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid except in high concentration and temperature. In neutral solutions such as sulphates, nitrates, bichromates and chlorides (except ferric and cuppric chloride), it is also perfectly resistant.
In highly concentrated alkalis, it exhibits higher resistance than titanium. Although its resistance to wet sulphur dioxide gas and sulphurous acid is excellent, it is corroded by wet chlorine gas and chlorine water. On the other hand, titanium is perfectly resistant in these circumstances.