ABSTRACT
A copper alloy of Cu–1.9 wt-%Ti–0.7 wt-%B was fabricated by vacuum induction melting and casting followed by cold working and annealing. Four strengthening methods has been involved during the preparation of the alloy, and the combined action of these methods results in the alloy with the tensile strength of 530 ± 24 MPa and the electrical conductivity (EC) of 48.0 ± 2.1% International Annealed Copper Standard. The specific contribution (or deterioration) of different strengthening methods to hardness and EC was quantitatively evaluated. With regard to combined properties of Cu–Ti–B alloys, age hardening and forming TiB2 particles are two effective methods to improve hardness and to maintain EC at a relatively high level simultaneously, but solid solution strengthening and work hardening are two inferior strengthening methods.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.