Structure and strength of dilute zirconium-copper martensites

The morphology, the substructure and the strength of dilute zirconium-copper martensites were examined. The martensites were of the dislocated lath type. The precipitation of an intermetallic phase at the lath boundaries could not be suppressed even by rapid beta-quenching. The strength of these martensites was substantially enhanced with increasing copper additions. This increased strength appeared to be due both to solid solution hardening and the distribution of precipitates at the lath boundaries. The work-hardening behaviour of these martensites could be analysed in terms of the theory of the deformation of plastically inhomogeneous materials. (author)