Evolution of the texture, mechanical properties, and microstructure of Cu-2.7Be alloys during hot cross-rolling

The evolution of the microstructure and texture of Cu-2.7Be alloys during hot rolling was investigated and related to the mechanical properties of the resulting sheets. Hot cross-rolling is shown to be an effective way to refine the hard and brittle secondary-phase particles in Cu-2.7Be alloys. The Cu- and brass-type textures increase and decrease in prevalence, respectively, during the rolling process. The yield strengths along the first and second rolling directions, and 45° to the former, are all enhanced because the corresponding Schmid factors decrease as the sheets are rolled thinner. The ductility anisotropy of the as-rolled sheets is related to the distribution and shape of the secondary-phase particles therein.