Dispersion-strengthened copper-niobium composites

GlidCop dispersion-strengthened copper is a family of engineered alloys which combine high strength, high thermal and electrical conductivities, and outstanding resistance to softening following exposure to elevated temperatures. A proprietary process based on GlidCop dispersion-strengthened copper technology improves mechanical properties through the addition of niobium. Two grades have been developed: Al-60 + NB1000 and Al-15 + NB1000. Each composite contains 10% niobium by weight, in the form of uniformly dispersed particles. The technology produces a uniform distribution of niobium in the internally oxidized, dispersion-strengthened copper powder. This powder can be consolidated in the same manner as conventional GlidCop Powder to produce a variety of mill shapes. The addition of 10% niobium to the Al-60 matrix increases strength and hardness with only minimal reduction in electrical conductivity. The room-temperature properties of Al-60 + NB1000 following exposure to 980 C (1,800 F), are compared with the properties of some commonly used RWMA welding materials which have also been exposed to elevated temperatures. While Al-60 + NB1000 has outstanding as-extruded mechanical properties, the cold workability of this material is limited. A cold-workable composite using the lower aluminum oxide Al-15 + NB1000 indicate that the properties of the as-extruded bar are improved by coldmore » work, specifically drawing.« less