Microstructure Evolution and Strengthening Mechanism of Cu0.8Cr0.6Zr Alloy during Equal Channel Angular Pressing and Aging Treatment

The microstructure, texture evolution and its effect on the mechanical and electrical conductivity properties of the Cu-0.8Cr-0.6Zr alloy after equal channel angle pressing by route A and aging treatment were investigated. The deformed structure, grain orientation and precipitated phase were detected by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the alloy were tested. The results show that after ECAP deformation the initial equiaxed crystals gradually transform into a fibrous structure arranged along the extrusion direction. The texture undergoes a strong undulation, and the initial {110} < 112 > brass texture turns into a stronger {111} < 001 > Goss texture and {111} < 112 > texture. After aging treatment, the mechanical properties and conductivity of the alloy are significantly improved. Under the comprehensive process of Cu0.8Cr0.6Zr alloy solid solution + ECAP + 450 °C aging for 4 h, the strength and conductivity reached to 551.1 MPa and 83.3 IACS%.