Demand for Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiles & Expanding Applications of Zirconium Metal, Zirconia and Zirconium-Based Chemicals Sustain Growth in the Market
Growing demand for ceramic wall and floor tiles and expanding applications of zirconium metal, zirconia and zirconium-based chemicals are poised to drive global Zirconium consumption to exceed 1.7 million metric tons by 2024 . Zirconium represents a hard, lustrous, greyish-white metal obtained from its principal economic source – Zircon (ZrSiO4) or zirconium silicate mineral. Various attributes of the metal that is driving its steady demand over the years include excellent corrosion resistant properties, high refractive index, high melting point, thermal stability as well as low wettability to molten metals. Other superior attributes of zirconium over other similar materials such as alumina include low solubility in glass; ability to create glossy white surface that do not fade away; and impart enhanced cleanability for polished porcelain tiles without reducing firing range and causing any side effects during production. Majority of zirconium is consumed in the form of zircon, zi...