Microstructure-mechanical property correlation of cryo rolled Zircaloy-4

The evolution of microstructure and the mechanical properties of cryo-rolled Zircaloy-4 were both investigated to understand the origin of the alloy's strength processed at a cryogenic temperature. The correlation of dislocation density, grain size and yield stress of the rolled product indicated that an increase in dislocation density due to the suppression of dynamic recovery is the primary source of strengthening.