Study on microstructure and properties of aged Cu–Cr–Zr–Mg–RE alloy

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. A, Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing Structural materials : properties, microstructure and processing, 2008-02, Vol.475 (1), p.235-240
• Main Authors: Mu, S.G., Guo, F.A., Tang, Y.Q., Cao, X.M., Tang, M.T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Cu–Cr–Zr–Mg–RE alloy; Deformation and plasticity (including yield, ductility, and superplasticity); Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties of solids; Microstructure; Physics; Properties; Solid solution, precipitation, and dispersion hardening; aging; Treatment of materials and its effects on microstructure and properties
• ISSN: 0921-5093; 1873-4936
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2007.04.056

Electrical conductivity, tensile strength and micro-hardness of Cu–0.43 wt.% Cr–0.17 wt.% Zr–0.05 wt.% Mg–0.1 wt.% RE alloy were investigated after cold working and aging treatment. The results show that good combination of the physical and mechanical properties can be obtained after aging at 450 °C for 4 h. The analysis of the microstructure by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) show that three kinds of strengthening phases, such as chromium-rich phase, zirconium-rich phase and the CrCu 2(Zr, Mg) particles were observed. Most of the chromium-rich phase and zirconium-rich phase dispersed separately, and few of them congregated together in the matrix. The CrCu 2(Zr, Mg) phase may be decomposed into chromium-rich phase and zirconium-rich phase at aging temperature above 450 °C.