Aging Processes in Ultrafine‐Grained Low‐Alloyed Bronzes Subjected to Equal Channel Angular Pressing

Abstract The aging processes in Cu‐0.7% Cr, Cu‐0.9% Hf, and Cu‐0.7% Cr‐0.9% Hf alloys after equal channel angular pressing have been studied. ECAP leads to strong grain refinement (200 nm for Cu‐0.7% Cr‐0.9% Hf alloy). It was shown that the Cu₅Hf particles are more efficient as strengthening phase than the particles of Cr‐based solid solution. Alloying with hafnium also improves the thermal stability of hardening and minimizes recrystallization processes at aging temperatures. Temperature‐time aging regimes of bronzes for achieving optimal combination of strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity were also determined. Ternary alloy after aging at 500 °C for 2.5 h has a tensile strength of 582 MPa, an elongation of 18%, and an electrical conductivity of 75% IACS.