The Effect of the RMACREO Process Applying Remarkable Torsional Distortion on the Aging Behavior and Microstructure of Cu–Cr–Zr Alloy

Abstract

With their excellent balance of strength, electrical conductivity and ductility, copper alloys are widely applied. However, miniaturized products must be high-strength while maintaining high electrical conductivity. Herein, we analyze whether severe plastic deformation can improve the aging property of copper alloy. We experimentally investigated the aging properties and microstructures of CuCrZr alloys after a remarkable torsional plastic deformation (RMACREO) process. The RMACREO-processed specimen exhibited a lower aging temperature than the solution-heat-treated specimen without degrading the Vickers hardness and electrical conductivity. We suggest that the RMACREO process introduced a large amount of distortion in the microstructure and generated a sub-grain structure. The RMACREO process apparently decreased the generation activation energy of the chromium precipitates, thereby decreasing the aging temperature.