Deformation-Processed Copper-Chromium Alloys: Optimizing Strength and Conductivity

摘要

A developmental research program has been carried out to produce deformation-processed copper-chromium wires with optimum combinations of ultimate strength and electrical conductivity. Properties are improved by use of deformation to assist in the precipitation of chromium from solid solution. Various combinations of deformation, solution heat treatment plus quenching, and aging have been studied and an optimum processing scheme determined. Using this processing scheme, it is shown that deformation-processed Cu-7 vol percent Cr wires have strengths on the order of 50 percent higher than commercial copper alloys available in the same conductivity range of 75 to 90 percent IACS.