General Welding considerations
Zirconium-containing materials and titanium- containing materials contain the same characteristics of welding capability since they both promptly react with oxygen establishing stable oxides. Titanium can also react with oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen easily. Hardness of the metals can be escalated by dissolved oxygen and nitrogen; however, notch sensitivity and toughness of the metals are decreased by dissolved hydrogen. Hence, shields containing high contents of inert gases or vacuums are recommended to be used during welding of zirconium. Moreover, to avoid creating porosity and brittleness of the metals, oil, grease and dirt should be removed on account of their ability to dissolve carbon and oxygen out of the materials.