Optimization of phase composition and mechanical properties in Zr alloys by micro-alloying

Abstract

The phase composition and mechanical properties of several ZrV alloys with various V contents were studied to achieve an improved balance of strength and ductility of Zr alloy. The heterogeneous lamella structure including the coarse initial α phase, the ultrafine β phase and the acicular α′ martensite phase was obtained by the addition of V traces. As the V content increased (from 0 to 0.5wt%), the strength and ductility of ZrV alloys were apparently improved. It was confirmed that the strength was strongly affected not only by the solid solution strengthening of the V atoms, but also by the formation of heterogeneous lamella structure due to the V addition. In addition, the β phase content increases and the existence of near-spherical initial α grains with lower dislocation density could effectively enhance the Zr0.5V alloy ductility.