Investigation on deformation mechanisms of Zr-1Sn-0.3Nb-0.3Fe-0.1Cr alloy using in situ EBSD/SEM

Understanding the deformation behaviour of Zr alloys is important to develop rolling or punching techniques for the fabrication of structural component in nuclear reactors. In this study, the deformation mechanisms of the Zr-1Sn-0.3Nb-0.3Fe-0.1Cr alloy were characterised in situ during uniaxial tensile testing at room temperature. In situ electron backscatter diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to track changes in microstructure and texture. The average grain size of the alloy, which was initially 6.8 mu m, changed slightly during in situ tensile deformation. Slip traces were visible at intragranular and grain boundaries and were aligned at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the direction of the applied strain. Owing to texture evolution during in situ tensile deformation, the grains rotated slightly, contributing to deformation. The soft orientation percentage of Py < c + a > slip systems remained at 43%, indicating that Py < c + a > slip systems were the predominant slip system modes. Additionally, the crystals of the alloy mainly slid on the Py < c + a > {101} <113 > slip systems, followed by the Pr{100} <110 > slip systems, which was accompanied by the simultaneous rotation of the grains during tensile deformation, which is more conducive to plastic deformation. Interesting, the slip transfer between adjacent grains were observed, which also contributes to increased ductility. The yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the alloy were 455 MPa, 686 MPa, and 33.7%, respectively.