Zirconium

Particle size distribution (Granulometry)

Description of key information

Particle size distribution have been determined for zirconium powder by laser diffraction following  OECD 110 ( Particle Size Distribution)
The median particle size D50 of the test items deduced from the particle size distributions is 76.42 µm.
The particle size D10 of the test items deduced from the particle size distributions is 32.64 µm.
The particle size D90 of the test items deduced from the particle size distributions is 141.11 µm.

Additional information

Based on column 2 of the REACH regulation on standard information requirements (Annex VII, section 7.14), it is not necessary to conduct a study if the substance is marketed or used in a non solid or non granular form. Therefore there is no need to perform this test on Zr for the shot or sponge forms. However, it is relevant to perform this test on Zr powder form.

Furthermore, OCDE Test Guidance N° 110 : Particle Size Distribution/ Fibre Length and Diameter Distributions, can be performed for a three size ranges : > 200μm, < 2 μm and between 2 and 200μm. Zirconium shot sizes are > 5 mm, therefore this test is technically impossible and shall only be conducted on the powder form according to the EEC method OCDE 110.

Particle size distribution on powder form have been determined by by laser diffraction according to the European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 440/2008 and under consideration of the following guidelines:

OECD 110 (1981): Particle Size Distribution,

CIPAC MT 187: Particle Size Analysis by Laser Diffraction

ISO13320-1: Particle Size Analysis - Laser Diffraction Methods

The median particle size D50 of the test items deduced from the particle size distributions is 76.42 µm.

The particle size D10 of the test items deduced from the particle size distributions is 32.64 µm.

The particle size D90 of the test items deduced from the particle size distributions is 141.11 µm.

It should be noted that zirconium can have many particle size distributions depending on the manufacturing process and intended uses. It is therefore not possible to conclude a representative d50 and the value obtained should be individually considered representative.