Influence of cold deformation and Ti element on the microstructure and properties of Cu–Cr system alloys

The Cu–Cr system alloys with different Ti contents were prepared and processed by deformation and heat treatment. The microstructures, mechanical, and electrical properties were investigated under as-cast and aged conditions. The results indicate that the Cr precipitates present a dispersed distribution and exhibit a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure rather than equilibrium body-centered cubic (bcc) structure in the initial stage of aging. A certain amount of Ti atoms dissolves in matrix due to the large solid solubility, while the remaining atoms segregate around the interface of the Cr precipitates to form a sandwich structure. Improvement of mechanical properties is achieved with Ti addition and the increasing rolling reduction, which can be ascribed to multiple mechanisms. In addition, Ti has a negative effect on the electrical conductivity, while deformation has a slight effect on conductivity.