Surface Layers of Zr-18%Nb Alloy Modified by Ultrasonic Impact Treatment: Microstructure, Hardness and Corrosion

Near-surface layers in Zr-18%Nb alloy were modified using ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT). The effects of the UIT processing time on a microstructural formation, omega/alpha precipitations, microhardness and corrosion are analyzed. XRD analysis, TEM and SEM observations and EDX characterization allow establishing the links between the microstructure, microhardness and corrosion behavior of the surface layers formed. At the strain extent up to e ≈ 0.3, structural formation occurs under influence of deformation induced heating, which facilitates omega precipitation in beta phase and mechanically induced oxygen transport and oxide formation. XRD analysis reveals moderate compressive residual stresses (− 160 MPa) and pronounced {110} texture after the UIT process. Generation of dislocations and hindering of their movement by nanoscale omega precipitates manifest themselves as the broadening of diffraction peaks occurred mainly owing to the lattice microstrains, and they provide marked strain hardening. The enhanced anticorrosion properties of Zr-18%Nb alloy in saline solution were concluded to be a result of the formation of a protective oxide film, {110} texture and compressive stresses.