Microstructure evolution, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of novel Zr–Ti–V alloys

Highlights: • A series of novel Zr–Ti–V alloys were prepared. • Significant refinement of prior-β grain and α-lath sizes were observed. • A stable β alloy can be obtained when the V content is 6 at%. • Phase composition of alloys changed as follows: α.→α+β_(trace)→α+β→β+α_(trace)+ β'→β+β'. • The addition of V element reduces the corrosion resistance of Zr–Ti binary alloys. Effects of different V contents on microstructure and properties of Zr–Ti alloys are systematically investigated in this study. Microstructure of as-cast alloys is characterized by optical microscope, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical properties of alloys are analyzed using compression and microhardness tests and their corrosion properties are examined using electrochemical tests. α lath gradually decreases and relative content of β phase increases as the V content increases. A stable β alloy can be obtained when the V content is 8 at%. α lath precipitation at β grain boundary reduces plasticity of alloys, and as-cast alloys demonstrate satisfactory plastic deformation when the V content is 6–10 at%. The addition of V element reduces the corrosion resistance of Zr–Ti binary alloys, while Zr–Ti–8V alloy exhibits improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.