Microstructure Evolution, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Behavior of Novel Low‐Density Zr–xAl–0.5Si Alloys

Herein, pure zirconium (Zr) is alloyed with specified amounts of silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al) in a vacuum arc furnace to create Zr–xAl–0.5Si (x = 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 at.%) alloys. Thereafter, the phase composition and microstructure of the alloys are characterized using X‐ray diffractometer, optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalyzer, transmission electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. The presence of the Zr₃Al phase is found in the α‐Zr matrix. Meanwhile, the mechanical behavior of the samples is evaluated using a uniaxial compression test. Notably, the compressive strength of Zr–18Al–0.5Si can reach 1833 MPa while having a compression deformation of 28.7%. These results show that adding Al to Zr alloy increases the strength, decreases the overall density, and causes grain refinement. The decrease in Vickers hardness of the alloy is related to Zr₃Al intermetallic compounds. Furthermore, corrosion behavior tests of the alloys are conducted using an electrochemical workstation. Zr–18Al–0.5Si exhibits lower corrosion current density (I_corr), and Zr–3Al–0.5Si exhibits higher corrosion potential (E_corr).