Tensile behavior of high temperature Cu-Cr-Zr alloy

Abstract

The tensile behavior of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy was investigated at different temperatures. The material investigated was heat treated to the following condition: solutionizing 980°C-40 min then water quenching, aging 460°C-4 h. The test temperature was ranged from room temperature to 600°C at intervals of 100°C. Curves describing the tensile properties were obtained. The Vickers hardness, microstructure and fracture surface of the tested alloys were also studied. The results reveal that the tensile strength of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys decreases with the increase of temperatures. Additionally, due to fully recrystallization, a combination of a high tensile strength with a fairly good plasticity can be achieved at 200° C. The suitable working temperature of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy ranges form room temperature to 300° C.The results also indicate that the mechanism of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy fracture is the nucleation, growth, extension and join of microvoid caused by second phase particle.