Interdiffusion behaviors and mechanical properties in BCC Zr-rich Zr–Nb–Ta system

Diffusion behavior and mechanical properties of the Zr–Nb–Ta system have been analyzed using diffusion couple technology and nanoindentation technology. The diffusion couples were annealed at 1523 K for 24 h and at 1423 K for 48 h, respectively. The compositional profile of the diffuse region was then obtained using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The main diffusion coefficients, cross diffusion coefficients, and impurity diffusion coefficients were calculated utilizing the Whittle and Green method, and the generalized Hall method. Finally, Young’s modulus and hardness of the diffusion couples were evaluated by nanoindentation, and the wear resistance and resistance to plastic deformation of the Zr–Nb–Ta alloy were also inferred. The present results improve the database of diffusion kinetics and mechanical properties of the BCC Zr–Nb–Ta system, which can be useful in the exploration of Zr–Nb–Ta based alloys with excellent properties.