Optimizing strength and electrical conductivity of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy by two-stage aging treatment

Cu-Cr-Zr alloy can be strengthened by modulating the aging process. In this work, the effect of two-stage aging on the properties of Cu-Cr-Zr solid solution was studied. Hardness, tensile properties and electrical properties were tested, and the microstructures were examined by transmission electron microscope. The results show that pre-aging can facilitate the formation of GP zones in the matrix, and thus accelerate the precipitation of high-density nano-sized phase in a shorter time as compared to that in the one-stage aging process. The two-stage aging route harmonizes the strength, ductility and electrical conductivity of the alloy, and provides an accessible strategy to ameliorate the comprehensive properties of the Cu-Cr-Zr alloy.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of two-stage aging on the properties of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy. The results show that pre-aging can accelerate the formation of high-density nano-sized phase, leading to improved comprehensive properties of the alloy. This provides a feasible strategy for enhancing the performance of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy.