Microstructures and properties of rapidly solidified Cu90Zr10-x Al x alloys

Cu90Zr10-x Al x (x=1, 3, 5, 7, 9; at.%) alloy rods were synthesized based on rapid solidification method. The structure, distribution of elements, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the Cu-based alloy samples were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), electro-probe micro-analyzer (EPMA), uniaxial compression test and four-probe technique. The as-cast Cu90Zr10-xAl x (x=1, 3, 5; at.%) alloy rods with a diameter of 2 mm exhibit good mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, i.e., high compressive yield strength of 812-1513 MPa, Young’s modulus of 52-85 GPa, Vickers hardness of 250-420 and electrical conductivity of 11.1%-12.6% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). The composite microstructure composed of high density fibrous duplex structure (Cu5Zr and α-Cu phases) is thought to be the origin of the high strength.