Microstructure and properties of sintered Cu–25Cr alloy

Abstract

Sintered and precipitation hardened Cu–25Cr (wt-%) contact alloys were prepared and their properties related to those of a precipitation and strain hardened reference alloy. The evolution of microstructure during sintering, solution heat treatment, and precipitation hardening was studied, in particular with respect to precipitate morphology and growth. The influence of microstructure on the hardness, strength, and electrical conductivity of Cu–25Cr alloys was evaluated. The relative importance of precipitation and strain hardening has been clarified, and it is shown that the contribution of the precipitation effect is dominant. The importance of monitoring the evolution of microstructure with respect to long term stability of Cu–Cr contact alloys is emphasised.

MST/999