Texture evolution and shear bands formation induced by Sc doping in Cu–Cr–Zr alloys

This study investigates the effect of Sc doping on the deformation microstructure and rolling texture of Cu-Cr-Zr-Sc alloys. After solution treatment + 80% rolling + 450 °C × 1 h aging treatment, the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, hardness, and electrical conductivity of the Sc doping alloy reached 573.5 ± 1.52 MPa, 536.52 ± 18.47 MPa, 203.91 ± 5.08 HV, and 66.76 ± 0.16% IACS, respectively. Compared with the non-doped alloy, the mechanical properties are enhanced while the electrical conductivity remains at a relatively high level. The deformation microstructure of the Sc doping alloy exhibited shear bands and the fine grains within the shear bands had minimal impact on the plasticity compared to the external "heterogeneous structure." Additionally, the presence of the {325}<10 15 12> orientation indicates that Sc promotes the transformation of the Copper texture, reducing its intensity and facilitating the formation of "Brass-type" shear bands. The {110}<151> orientation generated during the rolling process may be related to the volume effect caused by the increase in the fraction of deformation twins after Sc doping. Based on the precipitation kinetics results, it is proposed that the doping Sc may promote the formation of solute atom clusters, thereby altering the stress state of the material. Simultaneously, the reduction in stacking fault energy inhibits cross-slip, and the combined effects of these factors lead to the formation of shear bands. Compared with the alloy without Sc, the high strain within the shear bands somewhat promotes static recrystallization behavior during aging treatment.