Initially, lattice parameter of as-cast U–Zr alloys decrease with the increasing Zr content, and then increase.
XRD data show the presence of δ-UZr2 phase in as-cast U–Zr alloys with a Zr content of more than 8wt.% Zr.
Finding δ-UZr2 phase exists in all as-cast uranium rich U–Zr alloys, even for alloys with a lean Zr content.
Three kinds of preferential orientations of the δ phase grow.