For strong acids and severe corrosion

• Good mechanical & physical properties
• Excellent corrosion resistance (HCl and H2SO4 iso-corrosion curves)
• Zirconium 702 / 705: Grades, chemistry, specs
• Datasheet for Zirconium
• Zirconium hex head cap screw features and benefits

Commercially pure zirconium hex head cap screws, also known as zirconium 702, are most well-known for their superior corrosion resistance in some of the harshest environments that include:

It is also a metal that offers industry unique properties. It does not absorb neutrons, making it ideal for use in nuclear power and at low temperatures it is superconductive, making it ideal for super magnets.

Hydrochloric Acid Resistance
What makes Zirconium hex head cap screws particularly useful to industry is their resistance to hydrochloric acid where they exhibit a corrosion rate of less than 5mpy at all concentrations and temperatures in excess of the boiling point. Even in 37% HCI, Zirconium fasteners do not begin to show substantial corrosion until 130°C (266°F). This performance is unmatched by any other engineering metal or alloy with the exception of tantalum. To give you a point of reference, Hastelloy C276 will experience 288 mpy (mils per year) of corrosion in just 10% HCl at the boiling point while Zirconium hex head cap screws will have a nil corrosion rate even when aerated. As a result, Zirconium hex head cap screws are most beneficial when used is in hydrochloric acid processes with temperatures above the boiling point and in the absence of oxidizing impurities.

General Acid Resistance
In addition to its impressive performance in hydrochloric acid, in sulfuric acid, Zirconium hex head cap screws are resistant to temperatures well above boiling and at acid concentrations up to 70%. Only one other metal, tantalum, is equal to zirconium in nitric acid, where zirconium can be used in all concentrations up to 90% and temperatures up to 200°C. Zirconium is also resistant to most organic media and is considered one of the most corrosion resistant materiala in virtually all acetic acid solutions.

When Zirconium Does Not Perform
Zirconium is known for its tough resistance to acid corrosion, but there are instances that it is not recommended to use Zirconium. Though aeration does not affect the resistance of Zirconium hex head cap screws, even small amounts of oxidizing media such as ferric or cupric chlorides will greatly decrease its corrosion resistance. This often occurs from upstream equipment that carry corrosion contaminants into the zirconium equipment, making process control of upstream equipment critical in maintaining the corrosion resistance of Zirconium. In addition, acid in the presence of oxidizing halide contaminants and can accelerate the rate of attack on Zirconium hex head cap screws even at low concentrations. Use of Zirconium fasteners in the presence of fluoride ions is also not recommended, even at low concentrations.

Applications
•  Nuclear industry utilize Zirconium hex head cap screws for its inability to absorb neutrons
•  Zirconium has been used for decades in over 20 years in dye manufacturing for its incredible corrosion resistance and inertness.
•  Chemical processing plants often utilized Zirconium in the production of polymers that utilize strong acids .
•  Commonly used with nitric acid for the production ammonium nitrate for fertilizers.

Resources: Zirconium Torque Specs

Screw Types: Flat Head Screws, Hex Head Cap Screw, Pan Head Screws, Set Screws, Socket Head Cap Screws, Tamper Resistant Security Screws,

Zirconium Hex Head Cap Screw Features and Benefits

It is important to differentiate between a zirconium hex head cap screw and hex head bolt. Often people assume they are the same, but they are actually very different fasteners in terms of how they are manufactured, as well as from an application perspective. Regardless of your choice, zirconium hex heads offer strong, stable joints because of their large head service.

The Hex Comparison

Zirconium Hex Head Cap Screw Advantages  

The most important feature of a zirconium hex head cap screws is that it has a larger bearing surface area which provide better clamping pressure than other type of fastener such as a socket head cap screw. Additionally, since debris build up is less of an issue with this style of fastener verses a socket head cap screw, they are ideal of dirty applications where particles could clog up a socket. Though zirconium socket heads are typically used for tight access applications, hex heads can be a better choice when there is only side clearance available for tightening. 

Zirconium Grades, Chemistry and Specifications

Zirconium 702

99.2% commercially pure zirconium with the highest corrosion resistance.

Zirconium 702 Specifcations: UNS R60702, ASTM B493 and B550, ASME SB493 and SB550 Rod (Bar), ASTM SB551, ASME SB551  Plate, Sheet and Strip 

Zirconium 705 

95.5% zirconium with the addition of 2-3% niobium. This addition increases the impact strength of the alloy.

Zirconium 705 Specifications: UNS R06705, ASTM B493 and B550, ASME SB493 and SB550 Rod (Bar)

Mechanical Properties

Zirconium Iso-Corrosion Curves