High-Temperature Tensile Behavior of Cu-3Ag-0.5Zr Alloy in the Solution-Treated Condition

In the present investigation, the high-temperature tensile behavior of Cu-3Ag-0.5Zr alloy in the solution-treated condition was evaluated in the temperature range of 27-700 °C using tensile testing, optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. The ultimate tensile strength of the alloy decreased with an increase in the test temperature. In the temperature range of 27-500 °C, the decrease in the yield strength was marginal, whereas at 600 and 700 °C, it reduced by 50% compared to that at room temperature. The total elongation increased with the temperature up to 600 °C and decreased thereafter. On the other hand, uniform elongation decreased with the increase in the temperature. Drastic drop in the uniform elongation at 500 and 600 °C is attributed to formation of cavities. The retention of yield strength at 400-500 °C was due to in situ aging by formation of silver precipitates. The mode of failure at all the tested temperatures was ductile with dimple rupture.