Investigating the structure-property correlation of a novel Zirconium alloy by annealing treatment

The evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of Zr0.5Be alloy were investigated by varying the annealing temperature. X-ray diffraction results show that the examined Zr alloy is composed of α phase and Be2Zr compound after annealing at temperatures between 600 and 850 °C. The optical and transmission electron microscopy results reveal that the recrystallization volume fraction of the α phase gradually increases with increase in annealing temperature. The mechanical properties of the alloy were also investigated by varying the annealing temperature. It was observed that both the tensile strength and micro-hardness of Zr0.5Be alloy gradually decrease with increase in annealing temperature, while the elongation-to-failure increases at higher annealing temperatures. The decrease in dislocation density, the increase in recrystallization volume fraction of the α phase, and distribution of compounds were largely responsible for the decreased tensile strength and micro-hardness and improved ductility of the examined alloys. This work provides a better understanding of the mechanical properties of Zr alloys and helps pave the path for their further development.