Effects of Zn addition on the microstructure and properties of Cu–Cr alloys

Abstract

Many attempts were conducted to improve Cu–Cr alloys’ softening temperature, strength, and electrical conductivity. After homogenised treatment at 900°C for 4 h, hot rolled by 80% at 900°C, solid solution treated at 940°C for 2 h, cold rolled by 50%, and aged at 450°C for 1 h, cold rolled by 50%, and aged at 450°C for 0.5 h, the tensile strength, yield strength, microhardness, and electrical conductivity of the fabricated Cu–2Cr–1Zn alloy were 616.7, 540.1 MPa, 176.7 HV, and 71.5% IACS, respectively, with a softening temperature of 530°C. Orowan precipitation strengthening was the primary strengthening mechanism. These findings bring an effective way to improve the strength and softening temperature with a small loss of electrical conductivity.