Hot deformation behavior of Zr-1Nb alloy in two-phase region –microstructure and mechanical properties

Zr-Nb alloys are usually processed in two phase region to get desired microstructure and mechanical properties for structural applications in nuclear industries. In the present work, small punch test (SPT) was performed to evaluate mechanical properties of the samples after hot compression in the two phase region at different temperatures and strain rates. The microstructure after hot deformation was characterized by the size of primary α, secondary α lath size, prior β grain size and texture developed. The deformed samples were characterized with the formation of 〈 11 2 ¯ 0 〉 fiber, which was found to strengthen with increase in deformation temperature. The yield load and maximum load was found maximum for sample deformed at 815 °C/1 s−1 due to combined effect of higher dislocation density and finer α lath size.