Formation of microstructure and properties of Cu-3Ti alloy in thermal and thermomechanical processes

This paper presents the possibilities of forming the microstructure as well as mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Cu-3Ti alloy (wt.%) in thermal and thermomechanical processes that are a combination of homogenising treatment, hot and cold working, solution treatment and ageing. Phase composition of the alloy following various stages of processing it into the specified semi-finished product was being determined too. It was demonstrated that the application of cold plastic deformation between solution treatment and ageing could significantly enhance the effect of hardening of the Cu-3Ti alloy without deteriorating its electrical conductivity. It was found that for the investigated alloy the selection of appropriate conditions for homogenising treatment, hot and cold deformation as well as solution treatment and ageing enables to obtain the properties comparable to those of beryllium bronzes.