Atom probe microscopy characterization of as quenched Zr–0.8 wt% Fe and Zr–0.15 wt% Cr binary alloys

Two binary Zr-alloys with a β-quenched structure were analysed by atom probe tomography to provide a better understanding of how Fe and Cr perform in industrial Zr alloys. In a Zr–0.8 Fe (wt%) alloy, we observed a dispersion of precipitates with a composition close to Zr3Fe, and Fe segregated to a grain boundary. In a Zr–0.15 Cr (wt%) alloy, Cr was observed in solid solution in the Zr-matrix and segregated to grain boundary where it formed small spherical particles or elongated atmospheres.

► Two binary Zr-alloys with a β-quenched structure were analysed by atom probe tomography.
► In the Zr–0.8 wt% Fe alloy, we observed precipitates with a composition close to Zr3Fe, and Fe segregated to a grain boundary.
► In the Zr–0.15 wt% Cr alloy, Cr was observed in solid solution in the Zr-matrix and segregated to grain boundary where it formed small spherical particles or elongated atmospheres.