Microstructural evolution in zirconium based alloys

The transformation and age hardening behaviour of Zr-19 WT% Nb

Effect of extrusion variables on crystallographic texture of Zr-2.5 wt% Nb

Articles, such as tubing, which have excellent corrosion resistance to steam at elevated temperatures and to hydriding, are produced from zirconium alloys containing 0.5 to 2.0 percent niobium, up to 1.5 percent tin, and up to 0.25 percent of a third alloying element such as iron, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, copper, nickel and tungsten. The articles are formed by beta-treating the alloy, initially deforming the same at a temperature below 650° C. and further deforming the same through cold working stages also below 650° C., annealing the material between the cold working stages at a temperature between 500°-650° C., and final annealing the same at a temperature below 650° C. to provide articles having a microstructure of fine precipitates of less than about 800 Å, homogeneously dispersed throughout the zirconium.

S.A. Aldridge

Papers

Development of texture and structure in Zr-2.5 wt% Nb extruded tubes

The effect of temperature during deformation on the development of texture in zirconium alloy rolled sheet