Texture and Twinning Evolution of Cold-Rolled Industrial Pure Zirconium

Industrial pure zirconium plays an essential role as a structural material in the nuclear energy sector. Understanding the deformation mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing the plasticity and texture evolution of industrial pure zirconium. In the present study, the texture and microstructure evolution of industrial pure zirconium during the cold-rolling process have been characterized by XRD, EBSD, and TEM. The influences of various twins on texture evolution have also been simulated by the reaction stress model. The effects of slip and twinning on the deformation behavior and texture evolution have been discussed based on crystallographic and experimental considerations. Cold rolling yields a typical bimodal texture, resulting in the preferential <21-1-0>//RD orientation. The activation of the deformation mechanisms during cold rolling follows the sequential trend of slip, twinning, local slip. Experimental characterization and reaction stress simulation illustrate that T1 twins dominate in the early stage, whereas C2 twins develop at the later stage of the cold-rolling process. Twinning, especially the T1 twin, contributes to the formation of the {0001}<101-0> orientation.