Microstructure and properties of Cu-Cr-Ti alloy with high softening resistance

Abstract Cu-Cr alloys with excellent mechanical and electrical properties have been used in many industrial fields. However, the weak heat resistance of Cu-Cr alloys is a considerable shortness. In this work, Cu-Cr-Ti alloy was fabricated by vacuum melting and plastic deformation. Mechanical property and electrical conductivity of Cu-Cr-Ti alloy were investigated after aging treatment. The results show that peak aging occurs when aging at 450 °C for 1 hour. The mechanism of performance changes are discussed. The softening temperature could be identified as 575 °C, according to percentage of hardness changes of peak-aged Cu-Cr-Ti alloy annealed at different temperature and time. The microstructure explained that the addition of Ti, which retards recrystallization, could enhance the softening resistance of Cu-Cr alloy.