Nanocrystallization of pure Zr via room temperature rolling deformation

Bulk nanostructured metallic materials attract the growing interest of material scientists due to their exceptional properties. However, it is difficult to form nanostructures unless using severe plastic deformation strategies, e.g. high-pressure torsion. Here, a traditional symmetric rolling was employed to deform hcp pure Zr at room temperature. Fortunately, the nanostructure with a mean grain size of ∼90 nm was formed in the metal, which can be attributed to the enhanced grain refinement by decreasing its initial (002) texture. •The nanocrystallization of pure Zr was realized by traditional rolling deformation.•The nanostructure with a mean grain size of ∼90 nm was formed in the metal.•The effect of initial rolling texture on the nanocrystallization was investigated.