Simple optimization for strength and conductivity of Cu-Ni-Si alloy with discontinuous precipitation

Abstract A Cu alloy with discontinuous precipitation (DP) presents a mechanically lower strength, but a higher conductivity compared to an alloy with continuous precipitation (CP). We controlled the partial generation of DP in the Cu matrix of Cu-4Ni-1Si alloy by using aging time. Successive cold-working of the alloy showed that by controlling the CP and DP fractions, considerably wide ranges of strength and electrical conductivity, from 500 to 1170 MPa, and from 23 to 50% IACS, respectively, could be achieved. After cold-working, the DP region in the alloy was heavily deformed in comparison with the CP region, showing a drastic increase in strength, with only a small decrease in conductivity.