Effect of HPT and annealing on microstructure and mechanical properties of Zr-2.5Nb alloy.

The effect of high-pressure torsion on the Zr-2.5Nb alloy in its initial hot-rolled and quenched states was investigated. Additionally, the impact of low-temperature annealing at 300°C for various durations on specimens subjected to HPT was explored. A significant increase in hardness (HV) was observed in samples, especially those in the quenched state, following HPT, indicating a more pronounced refinement of the structure. Annealing at 300°C for 4 hours resulted in enhanced hardness in both as-rolled and quenched states, accompanied by phase transformations, notably the formation of the ω-phase, which remained high even after annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]