Description
✅ Product Overview
Our Nb-1Zr Plate is a high-strength niobium zirconium alloy plate containing approximately 1% zirconium, engineered for extreme service conditions involving high temperature, radiation exposure, and liquid-metal environments. This Nb1Zr plate is widely applied in nuclear reactor systems, aerospace thermal structures, and advanced scientific research facilities where conventional refractory metals cannot meet long-term stability requirements.
Compared with commercially pure niobium, Nb-1Zr plate demonstrates superior creep resistance, improved grain boundary stability, and enhanced high-temperature mechanical strength. At the same time, it retains excellent compatibility with alkali metals and ultra-high vacuum environments. As a professional Nb-1Zr plate supplier, we offer fully customized thickness, dimensions, and surface conditions to meet both prototype development and engineering-scale production needs.
For thin gauges, the material may also be supplied as Nb-1Zr sheet, maintaining the same chemical composition and metallurgical control as thicker niobium zirconium plate products.
🧪 Chemical Composition
Typical chemical composition of Niobium 1% Zirconium alloy plate (wt.%):
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Nb (Niobium) | Balance |
| Zr (Zirconium) | 0.8 – 1.2% |
| O (Oxygen) | ≤ 0.02% |
| N (Nitrogen) | ≤ 0.01% |
| C (Carbon) | ≤ 0.01% |
| H (Hydrogen) | ≤ 0.0015% |
Strict interstitial element control is critical for Nb-1Zr plate performance. Oxygen and nitrogen levels strongly influence ductility, weldability, and fatigue resistance. During melting and hot working, zirconium acts as a scavenger element, binding residual oxygen and improving grain boundary stability, which directly contributes to the long-term creep resistance of Nb1Zr plate at elevated temperatures.
📏 Standards & Specifications
Although the Plate is often supplied under project-specific technical agreements, production and inspection are commonly aligned with the following internationally recognized standards for niobium and niobium alloy products:
🔹 Applicable Reference Standards
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ASTM B393 / B393M — Standard Specification for Niobium and Niobium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate
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ASTM E112 — Determination of Average Grain Size
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ASTM E384 — Microindentation Hardness Testing
These standards ensure chemical composition accuracy, mechanical consistency, and microstructural stability of niobium zirconium plate products.
🔹 Nuclear and Aerospace Project Practice
For nuclear and aerospace applications, Nb-1Zr sheet and plate are typically supplied according to:
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Customer Technical Specifications (CTS)
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Full heat-lot traceability
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Project-defined mechanical and metallurgical requirements
In such cases, production may follow internal qualification procedures consistent with:
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ASME Section II material property references
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Nuclear-grade quality management systems
This ensures reliable long-term performance of Niobium 1% zirconium alloy plate in radiation and liquid-metal environments.
⚙️ Physical and Mechanical Properties
Typical properties of Nb-1Zr plate:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~8.6 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | > 2400 °C |
| Tensile Strength (RT) | 300 – 450 MPa |
| Yield Strength (RT) | 200 – 300 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 20% |
| High-Temperature Strength | Excellent |
| Creep Resistance | Significantly improved vs pure Nb |
| Radiation Stability | Excellent |
| Thermal Conductivity | Good |
At temperatures above 800°C, Nb1Zr plate retains higher load-bearing capability compared with pure niobium due to reduced grain growth and stabilized grain boundaries. This makes Nb-1Zr sheet particularly suitable for components subjected to long-duration thermal stress.
📐 Available Sizes and Thickness Range
We provide Nb-1Zr plate in standard and fully customized formats.
Thickness Range
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Standard: 0.5 mm – 20 mm
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Thin gauges available as Nb-1Zr sheet upon request
Width and Length
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Width: up to 600 mm (standard)
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Length: up to 1200 mm (standard)
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Custom dimensions available according to drawings
Tolerance Capability
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Thickness tolerance: ±0.05 mm to ±0.20 mm depending on gauge
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Precision machining available for tight-tolerance components
As a flexible Nb-1Zr plate supplier, we support both laboratory-scale samples and engineering-scale production.
🏭 Manufacturing Process
High-performance requires strict control from melting to final heat treatment.
🔥 Melting
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Multi-pass Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR)
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Optional Electron Beam Melting (EBM) for ultra-high purity requirements
🔨 Hot Working
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High-temperature forging and rolling above 1100°C
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Controlled deformation schedule to refine grain structure and reduce segregation
🌡 Heat Treatment
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Vacuum annealing for stress relief
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Recrystallization control for uniform grain size
🧼 Surface Finishing
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Rolled surface
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Pickled surface
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Machined surface for precision applications
All niobium zirconium plate products are processed to ensure uniform microstructure and stable mechanical behavior.
🔥 High-Temperature and Creep Performance
The main advantage of Nb-1Zr plate is its outstanding long-term performance under thermal load.
Key Benefits:
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Superior creep rupture life
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Stable grain structure during prolonged heating
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Reduced intergranular sliding
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Improved resistance to thermal fatigue
These properties allow Nb1Zr plate to maintain dimensional stability and mechanical integrity in continuous high-temperature service environments.
☢ Radiation and Liquid Metal Compatibility
Radiation Resistance
Nb-1Zr plate exhibits minimal swelling and stable mechanical properties under neutron irradiation, making it suitable for:
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Reactor internal structures
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Radiation test modules
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Nuclear material research systems
Liquid Metal Corrosion Resistance
Niobium zirconium alloy plate demonstrates strong compatibility with:
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Liquid sodium
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Liquid lithium
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Alkali metal coolants
This is essential for fast reactor systems and advanced heat-transfer research facilities.
🧩 Typical Applications
Nuclear Engineering
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Reactor structural components
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Liquid metal containment systems
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Irradiation experiment fixtures
Aerospace and Space Systems
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High-temperature thermal structures
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Engine-related heat shields
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Vacuum-compatible components
Scientific Research Equipment
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Ultra-high vacuum chambers
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Particle accelerator structures
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High-temperature test platforms
Energy and Metallurgical Research
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Molten metal containment
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Heat exchanger prototypes
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Advanced reactor development projects
As a trusted Nb-1Zr plate supplier, we support both research institutions and industrial integrators worldwide.
🧫 Quality Control and Inspection
Each batch of plate undergoes full inspection before shipment.
Inspection Methods:
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Chemical composition analysis (OES / ICP)
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Mechanical property testing
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Dimensional inspection
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Ultrasonic testing (optional)
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Surface defect examination
Documentation:
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Chemical analysis report
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Mechanical property report
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Dimensional inspection record
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Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1 available upon request)
Full traceability is maintained from melting heat to finished Nb1Zr plate.
⚠ Export Control and End-Use Notice
Due to strategic applications, Niobium 1% zirconium alloy plate may be subject to export control regulations.
Important Information:
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Industrial and research use only
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End-user statement may be required
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Export license may be necessary depending on destination
We assist customers with compliance documentation to ensure lawful and smooth international delivery of products.
🏭 Why Choose NiTiCu Metal
Shaanxi Nickel Titanium Copper Metal Co., Ltd. specializes in refractory metals and advanced alloy manufacturing.
Our Capabilities:
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Controlled VAR and EBM melting routes
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In-house hot rolling and heat treatment
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Custom machining and finishing
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Technical support for material selection
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Stable long-term supply
We work with nuclear engineering firms, aerospace suppliers, and research institutes to deliver reliable niobium zirconium plate solutions.
📦 Packaging and Delivery
To ensure product integrity, packed using:
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Protective plastic wrapping
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Optional vacuum sealing
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Wooden crates for export shipments
Global delivery available via DHL, FedEx, UPS, or air freight forwarder depending on size and urgency.
📞 Contact Us
📧 Email: sales@niticu.com
📞 Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 13335373172
🏭 Factory: Baotai Road Industrial Park, High-tech Zone, Baoji City, Shaanxi, China
🌐 Website: https://niticu.com
📩 Contact us now for pricing, samples, and expert technical support — we respond within 24 hours.
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