Effects of Trace Alloying Elements Fe and Cr on the Microstructure and Aging Properties of Cu-3Ti Alloy Foils

• Main Authors: Hongliang Zhao, Yaguang Dong, Xianglei Dong, Mingwei Wu, Rongping Li
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-10-01
• Series: Metals
• Subjects: Cu-3Ti alloy foil; aging treatment; precipitation strengthening; enhanced properties
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/8/11/881

In this work, the effects of an addition of trace alloying elements, Fe and Cr, on the mechanical and electrical properties and corrosion resistance of Cu-3Ti alloy foils, have been investigated. The results showed that the individual addition of Fe leads to the formation of Fe₂Ti intermetallic phase, which refines the grain size, in the solution-treated condition. With a combined addition of Fe and Cr, the formation of the (FeCr)₂Ti phase and the precipitation of the β′-Cu₄Ti phase resulted in increased hardness in the peak-aged condition. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the peak-aged Cu-Ti-Fe-Cr alloy were 13% and 5.7% higher, than those of the Cu-3Ti alloy, respectively. The electrical conductivity of the peak-aged Cu-Ti-Fe-Cr alloy was 3.3% higher than that of the Cu-Ti-Fe alloy, due to the finer (FeCr)₂Ti phase and the less residual Ti atoms, in the Cu matrix. The combined addition of Fe and Cr elements could improve the corrosion resistance of the Cu-Ti alloy. The Cu-Ti-Fe-Cr alloy foil could obtain the best integrated properties, and the hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and electrical conductivity were 357.1 HV, 1068 MPa and 12.5% IACS, respectively.