Studies on magnesium addition to copper produced in the continuous casting process and analysis of mechanical, electrical and structural properties of obtained casts

Abstract

Article presents the effect of magnesium addition to copper in the range of 0,02 – 0,5 wt. %. on the mechanical, electrical and structural properties of obtained materials. All analysed alloys were produced by horizontal continuous casting set-up in the form of 9,5 mm rods. Obtained Cu-Mg alloys were next tested for their as-cast properties via Vickers hardness analysis, electrical conductivity measurements and macrostructure observations in both cross and longitudinal section. The aim of the research was to verify the influence of the magnesium content on the properties of selected Cu-Mg alloys, which are dedicated to use in overhead railway system for contact wires and catenaries.

Keywords

• continuous casting
• copper Cu-Mg alloys
• mechanical properties
• structural properties
• electrical conductivity