Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of CuBe2

Abstract

Cryogenic treatment is being extensively used in many industries for enhancing the properties of materials. Although the effect of cryogenic treatment on the properties of ferrous materials has been well documented, its effect on non-ferrous alloys has not been fully understood. In this study, the influence of extensive cryogenic treatment and mild cryogenic treatment on the properties of copper beryllium alloy has been investigated. Microstructure analysis was carried out using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope studies. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis was conducted to study the effect of cryogenic treatment on phase transformation of the samples. XRD analysis was performed to identify the possible phases. Several properties such as tensile strength, hardness, and electrical resistivity were measured. Microstructure analysis revealed that the grains of cryogenic treated sample are smaller than that of as-received samples and the dispersion of beryllide particles in the α-copper matrix after cryogenic treatment was found to be increased. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis indicated that there was a reduction in phase transformation duration due to cryogenic treatment. Tensile strength and hardness were improved by the cryogenic treatment. In addition, a decrease in the electrical resistivity was observed after cryogenic treatment.