Upgrading the performance of functional Cu–Cr–Zr alloys for resistance welding electrodes

Abstract

The gravity die casting method was used to produce functional Cu–Cr–Zr alloys with various compositions. The functional electrical, mechanical, and wear properties of Cu–Cr–Zr alloys were studied at different aging times at 500°C. The optimum aging time that results in the best combination of hardness and functional electrical properties changes with the chemical composition of the alloys; the alloys with higher Zr content require a longer time to attain peak hardness. Complicated wear mechanisms are active in the Cu–Cr–Zr alloys. The alloys with the highest Zr and Cr contents exhibit the highest hardness and tensile strength with low wear resistance. The best Cr content is found to be just below the solubility limit at the solutionizing temperature.