Strengthening of Cu–Ti alloys by addition of boron

Abstract

Various Cu–Ti–B alloys were produced via argon atomisation at 1400°C. Rapidly solidified powders, containing dispersed TiB₂ particles, were subsequently subjected to thermal treatment in hydrogen at temperatures between 300 and 600°C. This process resulted in the formation of fine, metastable Cu₄Ti precipitates from the supersaturated solid solutions, which appreciably strengthened the copper matrix. Compared with the Cu–Ti powder particles obtained using the same procedure, the strengthening effect in Cu–Ti–B powder particles is much greater. The binary and ternary powders both reveal properties superior to those of Cu–Ti alloys produced via ingot metallurgy. This property is of interest for high conductivity electroengineering applications, since Cu–Ti–B alloys would provide a superior combination of strength and conductivity.

MST/1549