RAPID SOLIDIFICATION OF COPPER-ALLOYS WITH HIGH-STRENGTH AND HIGH-CONDUCTIVITY

Rapid solidification has been employed to develop high-strength/high-c onductivity copper alloys, because it offers advantages not achievable by conventional ingot metallurgy practice. The effect of rapid solidi fication on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity on coppe r alloys (with and without heat treatment) has been studied. Results i ndicated that alloys of the Cu-Cr-Zr type, rapidly solidified and aged , show a good combination of electrical conductivity [45.82 x 10(6)(1/ Omega.m)] and microhardness Vickers (24.46 x 10(6) Pa) values. These v alues are superior to those of optimally aged conventional copper allo ys for resistance welding electrode applications.