CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CU-CR-ZR-ALLOY STARTING CAST STRUCTURE

The Cu-Cr-Zr alloy cast structure is strongly influenced by its coolin g and solidification rates. These may result in different forms and si zes of its structural constituents. With continuous casting of section s it is possible to obtain the structure with small-cell alpha(Cu)-mat rix and coherent beta(Cr)-precipitates by controlling the performance conditions. Thus, the alloy has useful characteristics already in as-c ast condition which makes it possible to omit the usual thermomechanic al treatment.