Effect of the Multidirectional Free Hot Forging on the Hot Compression Behavior and Microstructure of the Zr–Nb Alloy

In this research, the effect of the multidirectional free hot forging on the hot compression performance and microstructure of a Zr–Nb alloy was investigated. To this end, the Zr–Nb alloy specimens were forged via the isothermal bidirectional free forging process. The microstructures of as-cast and forged samples were examined. Furthermore, hot compression tests in the range of 800–900 °C under strain rates of 0.001–1 s^− 1 were investigated. The results of the investigations showed that after forging, the microstructure includes a wide range of spherical and elongated alpha grains. The microstructures showed the full recrystallization of samples hot compressed at 850 °C. The ideal hot deformation region for Zr-1Nb alloy was determined to be within the range of 800–900 °C and under the strain rate of 0.001–0.01 s^− 1. Deformation in this region resulted in dynamic recrystallization, which was considered optimal.