Zirconium is a brittle and hard transition metal with high corrosion resistance. Now, let us discuss the property of the electrical conductivity of Zirconium.
Zirconium can conduct electricity because it consists of two free valence electrons in its outer shell, which moves freely available for conduction. The electrical conductivity in Zirconium occurs with some energy loss due to the slightly high electrical resistance offered by the Zirconium.
Rather than pure Zirconium, an alloy of Zirconium with niobium offers good electrical conductivity. When Zirconium is alloyed with niobium at low temperatures, it becomes superconductive. In this post, let us learn about the electrical conductivity of Zirconium.
How does Zirconium conduct electricity?
Electrical conductivity is possible in any substance when it allows charges to flow. Let us focus on the electrical conductivity offered by Zirconium.
Zirconium conducts electricity due to the availability of mobile charges. The two outer valance electrons are loosely bounded with a weak atomic force so that when energy is applied, the charges are set completely free and begin moving in one direction. The motion of the free charges can carry electric current.
Electrical conductivity of Zirconium
Zirconium is a silvery-grey malleable metal. Let us know the value of the electrical conductivity of the Zirconium.
The value of electrical conductivity of Zirconium is 2.4×10-6 S/m. The electrical conductivity of Zirconium is low, so nowadays, they are most commonly used in dentistry.
Is Zirconium a good conductor of electricity?
A good electricity conductor allows maximum charges to flow through them. Let us check whether Zirconium is a good electricity conductor or not.
Zirconium is not a good conductor of electricity compared to other metals. Zirconium has only two unpaired free electrons in its valance, so the number of charge carriers required for good electrical conduction is impossible.
The resistivity for the flow of current in Zirconium is slightly more than other metals; it is estimated at 421nΩ-m.
Does zirconium oxide conduct electricity?
Zirconium oxide, referred to as zirconium dioxide or zirconia, is a strong crystalline metal oxide. Let us study about electricity conductivity of zirconium oxide.
Zirconium conducts electricity but offers very low conductivity. The oxygen ions in zirconia can move freely in the lattice structure, causing electrical conductivity. The conductivity is temperature oriented and often exhibits high temperatures.
The value of electrical conductivity of zirconium oxide ranges from 2×10-6 S/m to 6×10-5 S/m at 900°C, which is much lower than the good electrical conductor such as copper.
Does black zirconium conduct electricity?
Oxidation occurs when Zirconium is exposed to extreme heat, giving black Zirconium. Now, let us focus on the electrical conductivity of black Zirconium.
Black Zirconium can conduct electricity, but the extent of electrical conductivity is minimal. Due to this, black Zirconium has a wide range of applications in medical instrumentation industries.
Black Zirconium is most commonly used to make jewelry because of its low conductivity towards heat as well.
Does zirconium conduct heat?
Any material that can allow heat to flow through them is called a heat conductor. Let us check whether Zirconium conducts heat or not.
Zirconium is a poor heat conductor. Zirconium offers high resistance to thermal vibrations and high temperatures. The availability of free electrons for heat transfer is a little less, so Zirconium exhibits poor heat conductivity.
The thermal conductivity of pure Zirconium is about 22W/m.K, and some zirconium alloys exhibit thermal conductivity of 18W/m.K.
Does zirconium oxide conduct heat?
Zirconium oxide is the most efficient ceramic due to its high strength. Let us know about the heat conductivity of zirconium oxide.
Zirconium oxide is a poor heat conductor. The oxide layer present in zirconium oxide acts as an insulating layer, thus restricting heat flow. Its thermal conductivity is estimated at 2W/(mK), much lower than pure Zirconium.
Conclusion
Let us end this post by stating that Zirconium is a non-toxic and non-reactive inert metal. Thus it shows low conductivity towards heat and electricity. But Zirconium alloyed with other metals can contribute to good electrical conduction by generating more delocalized electrons.
Also Read:
- Does titanium conduct electricity
- Does copper conduct electricity
- Does palladium conduct electricity
- Does tin conduct electricity
- Electric field of a conductor
- How does static electricity work
- Do acids conduct electricity
- Can fusion generate electricity
- Electric flux examples
- Does grease conduct electricity
I am Keerthi K Murthy, I have completed post graduation in Physics, with the specialization in the field of solid state physics. I have always consider physics as a fundamental subject which is connected to our daily life. Being a science student I enjoy exploring new things in physics. As a writer my goal is to reach the readers with the simplified manner through my articles.