Deformation and Heat Treatment Effects on High-Strength Cu-Ti-Fe Alloys Microstructure and Properties

Abstract

High-strength Cu-Ti-Fe alloys were prepared and studied in this paper. The alteration mechanism of the alloy’s microstructure and properties was elucidated through heat treatment involving varying degrees of cold working and aging. The results show that 60% cold deformation, 450 °C aging temperature, and 240 minutes aging time are the best treatment process parameters for this alloy. The hardness and electrical conductivity of the Cu-1.5Ti-0.3Fe alloy increased from 196.8 HV and 7.8% IACS before aging to 269.3 HV and 19.8% IACS, while the tensile strength reached 742.1 MPa after aging. The main precipitated phases of the Cu-Ti-Fe alloy after aging are Cu4Ti and Fe2Ti. Precipitation strengthening is the most important strengthening mechanism for the Cu-Ti-Fe alloy, which pins dislocations and delays recrystallization.

Keywords: Copper Alloys, Aging treatment, mechanical properties, microstructure, precipitation strengthening