The most commercially viable production process uses the natural available raw material zircon. Preparation of zirconium powder from natural zircon consists of the following process steps.
- Decomposition of natural zircon.
- Preparation of impure zirconium salt solution.
- Purification of the impure zirconium salt solution.
- Preparation of the zirconium oxide powder.
The natural zircon sand is decomposed by the following methods.
- Alkali oxide decomposition method.
- Lime fusion method.
- Chlorination and thermal decomposition method.
- Plasma arch process.
- Fluoride method.
- Hydro thermal method.
We will study the individual process in detail in forthcoming articles.
To be contd…
