Study on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-4Ti-1Cr-0.5Mg alloy during the pre-aging,cold rolling and final aging treatment

Abstract

Pre-aging processes were implemented prior to cold rolling to enhance the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the Cu-4Ti-1Cr-0.5Mg alloy. Mechanical and electrical assessments were performed through Vickers hardness, conductivity tests, and tensile tests. Microstructural analysis was conducted using X-ray diffraction, SEM, and TEM. The findings indicated that the hardness, tensile strength, and conductivity of the sample aged at 380 °C for 30 min reached 364 HV, 1220 MPa, and 10.22%IACS, respectively. The mechanical property enhancement was due to work hardening and the presence of nanoscale α-Cu₄Ti precipitates. The conductivity increase was attributed to the improved precipitation and matrix purification.