A major area of application for zirconium is nuclear energy, where the metal is used to clad the fuel elements of nuclear power plants. It also increases the corrosion resistance of steel and is suitable as a getter material in vacuum systems. Zirconium is also used for chemical pipework in corrosive environments and for heat exchangers. The element is also found in the lambda probe for catalytic exhaust gas purification in motor vehicles. In the form of zirconium oxide, it is required for the production of refractory ceramics, dental alloys, paints and varnishes.
