Abstract
The effect of $\beta$-heat treatment on th microstructure, mechanical properties and texture in the nuclear fuel cladding of Zircaloy-4 tubes was chosen at 1000, 1100 and 120$0^{\circ}C$, and the tubes were heat-treated by a high frequency vacuum induction furnace. Morphology of the second phase particles and $\alpha$-grain of as-received tubes were markedly changed by heat treatment. The average sizes of second phase particles of as-received and $\beta$-heat treated tubes were 0.1$\mu\textrm{m}$ and 0.076$\mu\textrm{m}$, respectively. However, the average sizes of second phase particles were not much changed in the $\beta$-heated temperatures. With increasing heat treatment temperatures, the 0.2% yield strength and the hoop strength were decreased because of changes in preferred orientation as will as $\alpha$-plate width. Heat treated Zircaloy-4 tubes exhibited texture changes but the preferred orientation of grains still remained.