Copper-lithium alloy produced by powder metallurgy procedures and its age-hardening response

Abstract Powders of Cu-18 at.% Li alloy were compacted under different pressures at room temperature. Compacted samples were subsequently sintered at different temperatures. The evolution of the elastic modulus, Brinell hardness and density was monitored during the sintering process. Special attention was paid on the serious problem associated with the lithium loss of the Cu–Li alloys sintered at temperatures over the solidus line. Finally, Cu–Li sintered samples were homogenised and subsequently treated at 127 °C for 8000 minutes showing age hardening. After the ageing treatment, the values of elastic modulus, hardness and electrical resistivity were comparable to commercial Cu–Be alloys and some brasses.