Effects of Alloying Elements on the Tensile Strength and Electrical Conductivity of Cu-Fe-P Based Alloys

This study looked at high performance copper-based alloys as LED lead frame materials with higher electrical-conductivity and the maintenance of superior tensile strength. This study investigated the effects on the tensile strength, electrical conductivity, thermal softening, size and distribution of the precipitation phases when Cr was added in Cu-Fe alloy in order to satisfy characteristics for LED Lead Frame material. Strips of the alloys were produced by casting and then properly treated to achieve a thickness of 0.25 mm by hot-rolling, scalping, and cold-rolling; mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness and electrical-conductivity were determined and compared. To determine precipitates in alloy that affect hardness and electrical-conductivity, electron microscope testing was also performed. Cr showed the effect of precipitation hardened with a precipitation phase. As a result of this experiment, appropriate aging temperature and time have been determined and we have developed a copper-based alloy with high tensile strength and electrical-conductivity. This alloy has the possibility for use as a substitution material for the LED Lead Frame of Cu alloy.