Nanoscale face-centered-cubic zirconium dispersed in omega zirconium

In contrast to lamella-like face-centered cubic zirconium (FCC-Zr) distributed inside an α-Zr matrix, as repeatedly reported previously, dispersed and nanoscale FCC-Zr with lattice parameter a = 0.520 nm has been found inside lamella-like and blocky ω-Zr by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The orientation relationship between the FCC-Zr and the ω-Zr obeys [001]FCC//[11¯02]ω, (100)FCC//(112¯0)ω. A possible phase transformation mechanism between FCC-Zr, α-Zr and β-Zr is discussed. This finding introduces a new possibility in phase transformations during the fabrication of Zr alloys, potentially enlightening the design of new high-performance Zr alloys.