RELEASE OF STORED ENERGY IN OXIDE-DISPERSION-STRENGTHENED COPPER *

Abstract

The pattern of energy release on annealing was followed by calorimetric means for a series of oxide-dispersion-strengthened copper alloys extruded at high reduction ratio. Included among the test materials were two Cu-Al₂O₃ alloys prepared by salt decpmposition, several Cu-SiO₂ and Cu-Al₂O₃ alloys prepared by internal oxidation, and a CU-CU₂O alloy prepared by surface oxidation. For several of the alloys energy releases were observed that confirm the expected high levels of energy stored during high strain rate extrusion. Values of 0·41 and 0·42 cal/g were measured and correspond to levels of cold work found in copper severely deformed in torsion. The energy release was observed at temperatures high above that normal for the recrystallization of cold-worked copper.