Rapidly solidified strips of Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys

The strips of Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys, containing 1-2,5 wt % Cr and 0,3 wt. % Zr, were produced by rapid solidification, using multi-roller casting method. The complete characteristics: structure, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were determined for aged and thermomechanically processed strips. The results have shown advantages achieved by rapid solidification in term of the Cr solubility extension and. The increased solid solubility obtained, allows an extensive precipitation and hardening during ageing. As a result, the attractive mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were obtained in aged and thermomechanically processed strips. The combinations of hardness, UTS and electrical conductivity as well as high-temperature structural stability are superior to those in the conventionally processed Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys.