Strain Enhanced High Strength Cu–Ag–Zr Conductors

Abstract

Recovery, recrystallisation and grain growth processes as well as the formation of a solid solution and the phase separation of a homogeneous material into a heterogeneous one are observed for Cu-Ag-Zr alloys heat-treated at different temperatures by means of mechanical, electrical and microstructural analyses. Heat treatments are shown to be an effective tool to enhance the strain to failure. If applied between several deformation steps the heat treatment causes an increase of both strain and strength limits.