Microstructure-Dependent Creep Mechanisms in Heat-Treated CZ1 Zr Alloy at 380 °C
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the stress-dependent creep behavior of a CZ1 Zr alloy exhibiting two distinct microstructural states induced by different annealing treatments. Creep tests were conducted at 380 °C under applied stresses of 140 MPa and 260 MPa. CZ1-2 (fully recrystallized), characterized by coarse grains and low dislocation density, demonstrated superior creep resistance under low stress due to suppressed dislocation activity and diffusion-dominated deformation. Stress exponent analysis revealed n = 5 for CZ1-1 (partially recrystallized) and n = 10 for CZ1-2, confirming a mechanism transition from steady-state dislocation climb to power-law breakdown. TEM characterization provided direct evidence of evolving dislocation networks, stacking faults, and second-phase particle redistribution. These findings underscore the critical role of microstructural conditioning in governing creep pathways and provide a mechanistic basis for tailoring Zr alloys to stress-specific service environments in advanced nuclear applications.
Source: Nanomaterials
DOI: 10.3390/nano15211624
Authors: Haoyu Shi, Jianqiang Wang, Meiqing Chen, Pengliang Liu, Zhixuan Xia, Chenyang Lu, Rui Gao, Weiyang Li, Yujie Zhang, Zhengxiong Su, Jing Hu
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4415564380