Effects of deep cryogenic treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of commercial pure zirconium

The effects of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of commercial pure zirconium were investigated. Experimental results indicated that DCT induced a change in grain orientation and improved internal stress, which in turn increased dislocation density that led to improved hardness. Hardness in basal planes was found to be significantly larger than that in prism planes. Moreover, strength was enhanced in DCT-treated zirconium and the ductility was comparable to that of as-annealed zirconium. This phenomenon was due to the increase in dislocation density and the good ductility resulting from the motion of pre-existing dislocations and specific dislocation configurations. DCT led to the transformation of tensile fracture mode from mixed-rupture characteristics of quasi-cleavage and dimples to quasi-cleavage, thereby increasing compatible deformation capabilities. The possible mechanisms underlying microstructural modification, tensile strength, and hardness improvement were discussed.