Precipitation Strengthening of Cu–Ni–Si Alloy

Abstract

The work examines the effect of rhenium addition on the structure and properties of Cu−2Ni−1Si alloys. The aim of this work was to answer the question of how the addition of rhenium will affect the strengthening mechanisms of rhenium-modified, saturated, plastically deformed and aged Cu−2Ni−1Si alloys. How will this affect the crystallization process? What effect will it have on the properties? Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of chemical composition in microareas (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, EDS), light microscopy, measurements of microhardness and conductivity of the alloys were used for the investigations. Research on chemical and phase composition were carried out with application of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Modification with rhenium has caused an increase in hardness as a result of precipitation of small phases with rhenium. As the effect of supersaturation, cold plastic treatment as well as aging small phases with rhenium with a size of 200 nm to 600 nm causes both reinforcement of the alloy and makes recrystallization impossible. Re-addition also influences the stabilization of the structure.

Keywords

• heat treatment
• advanced materials characterization
• rhenium modification