This article provides a description of the classification, industrial applications, microstructures, physical, chemical, corrosion, and mechanical properties of zirconium and its alloys. It discusses the formation of oxide films and the effects of water, temperature, and pH on zirconium. The delayed hydride cracking of zirconium is also described. The article provides information on the resistance of zirconium to various types of corrosion, including pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, intergranular corrosion, galvanic corrosion, microbiologically induced corrosion, erosion-corrosion, and fretting corrosion. The article explains the effects of tin content in zirconium and effects of fabrication on corrosion. Corrosion control measures for all types of corrosion are also highlighted. The article concludes with information on the safety precautions associated with handling of zirconium.

Zirconium and its alloys are available in two general categories: commercial grade and reactor grade. This article discusses the welding processes that can be used for welding any of the zirconium alloys. These include gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas-metal arc welding (GMAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), electron-beam welding (EBW), laser-beam welding (LBW), friction welding (FRW), resistance welding (RW), resistance spot welding (RSW), and resistance seam welding (RSEW). The article reviews the selection of shielding gases and filler metals for welding zirconium alloys. It concludes with a discussion on process procedures for welding zirconium alloys.