Microstructure and Properties of Deformation-Processed Cu–Cr In Situ Composites

Abstract

Cu-11Cr alloy was prepared by casting and processed into an in situ composite by cold deformation and heat treatment. The microstructure, strength and conductivity were investigated by scanning electronic microscope, tensile-testing machine and micro-ohmmeter. The results suggested that the initially randomly distributed Cr dendrites in the as-cast Cu-11Cr alloy were transformed into Cr fibres aligned parallel to the drawing axis in the deformation-processed in situ composite; the tensile strength and the resistivity increased with increasing cold deformation strain. The good combination of strength and conductivity of the deformation-processed Cu-11Cr in situ composite was achieved by using the proper cold deformation and heat treatment. At η = 8, the tensile strength and conductivity reached 823 MPa and 71.9 %IACS, respectively.