A multiscale architectured CuCrZr alloy with high strength, electrical conductivity and thermal stability

Abstract

A multiscale architectured structure, nanotwinned ultrafine grains surrounded by nano-precipitates at grain boundaries, was developed in a bulk Cu-Cr-Zr alloy prepared by aging treatment following equal-channel angular pressing. A superior combination of high strength, high electrical conductivity and good thermal stability was obtained, which avoided the trade-off among these important properties of electric conductive materials. This provides insight understanding on the mechanisms for strengthening, thermal stability and electrical conductivity, and could help the development of high-performance electrical conductors.