Aging and Cold Rolling Sequence Effects on Microstructure and Properties of the Cu-0.3zr-0.15cr Alloy

Abstract

This study produced a high-strength and high-conductivity copper alloy with a conductivity of 77.7% IACS and a strength of 615.6 MPa by varying the relative position of the Cu-0.3Zr-0.15Cr alloy aging treatment during the cold rolling process.  EBSD and TEM were used to characterize the microstructure, and it was found that the change of process would greatly change the texture content of the alloy, and the nanoprecipitate phase generated by intermediate aging would hinder the dislocation movement and cause twins to form inside the alloy, which effectively improved the strength of the alloy with a slight decrease in conductivity. Cu10Zr7 and Cr phases will be formed after Cu-0.3Zr-0.15Cr alloy aging. The results show that precipitation strengthening is the main strengthening mechanism of the alloy.

Keywords: Cu-0.3Zr-0.15Cr alloy, Properties, Microstructure, twins, strengthening mechanisms.