Zirconium Powder Preparation from ZrO 2 by Calciothermic Reduction

In this study, direct reduction of using liquid calcium was investigated. The influence of molar ratio of Ca and , reaction time and temperature on the reduction behavior of was studied. Experiments were conducted in a closed stainless steel chamber under Ar atmosphere during 5 to 60 minutes. Most of the was reduced to Zr in 5 minutes at 1223 K and 3 Ca/ molar ratio. The minimum oxygen content in reduced metal Zr was obtained about 0.66 wt% at 1373 K after 30 minutes and 4 Ca/ molar ratio. The morphology of zirconium powder obtained was highly affected by the reaction temperature and reaction time.