Dynamic precipitation-induced simultaneous enhancement of the strength and plasticity of hot-rolled Zr–9Al alloy

Abstract Changes in the microstructures and mechanical properties of hot-rolled Zr–9Al alloys (at.%) under different holding times between each pass are investigated. The results indicate that dynamic precipitation of Zr3Al particles plays a key role in the mechanical properties of the hot-rolled Zr–9Al alloys. The yield strength, ultimate strength and fracture elongation of the hot-rolled Zr–9Al alloy without dynamic precipitation are 666 MPa, 687 MPa and 12.3%, respectively, whilst those of the hot-rolled Zr–9Al alloy with dynamic precipitation are 825 MPa, 865 MPa and 18.7%, respectively. These evident enhancements in mechanical properties are attributed to the dynamic precipitation of Zr3Al particles, which induces the refinement, globularization and high dislocation density of α grains.