Heat Treatment Effect on the Microstructure and Properties of a High-Strength and High-Conductivity Cu–Nb–Cu Microcomposite

Abstract

Cu–Nb–Cu microcomposite reinforced by Nb tube was successfully fabricated by accumulative drawing and bundling process. When the strength of the Cu–Nb–Cu composite reaches above 1 GPa, the conductivity can reach 67% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS). The annealing effects on the microstructure and properties of the Cu–Nb–Cu microcomposite have been thoroughly discussed. Annealing temperature at 750 °C can lead to an obvious change of microstructures. Both the partial spheroidization and further coarsening of niobium filaments in Cu–Nb–Cu microcomposite have been revealed. The influences of the microstructure changes on the mechanical and electrical properties have also been analyzed.