Effects of Rare Earth Y Addition on Microstructural and Properties of Pure Copper

Abstract

The effects of rare earth Y addition on microstructure and properties of pure copper were investigated. Mechanical test, electrical test, oxidation resistance test, metalloscope, scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and X-ray difffraction (XRD) were performed to study the properties, microstructure and constitution. The results showed that both the hardness and antioxidant properties obviously increased with the increase of Y, confirmed the successful refinement role of Y. A small amount of Y (less than 0.5 wt.%) could improve the electrical conductivity of pure copper. When the Y content reached 0.2 wt.%, pure coppers obtained optimum electrical conductivity which is 96.8% IACS. However, over-added Y (>0.5 wt.%) resulted in second phase of Cu7Y coarsening and non-homogeneous microstructures forming, which reduces the conductivity of copper. In addition, Y can effectively purify the organization of molten copper.

Interaction mechanism of elements and second phase characteristics in as-cast Cu–15Ni–8Sn–(1Al–0.1Y) alloy

“…Moreover, Y also plays a significant role in refining grain, improving microstructure and mechanical properties. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] The effects of Y addition on the microstructures and properties of the Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy have been studied. For example, Cheng et al 24 prepared a Cu-15Ni-8Sn-0.2Y alloy by a powder metallurgy process.…”

The Influence of Rare Earth Ce on the Microstructure and Properties of Cast Pure Copper

“…Existing studies suggest that rare earth can also enhance the microstructure and properties of copper alloys. Rare earth primarily functions in copper alloys by:(i) exhibiting highly reactive chemical properties that enable it to react with detrimental elements such as oxygen, sulfur, hydrogen, etc., forming high melting point compounds which float on the slag and act as purifying agents [9][10][11]; (ii) dispersing fine high melting point compounds throughout the copper alloy matrix to serve as new crystalline cores for grain refinement [12][13][14]. Due to its reactivity, rare earth readily reacts with impurities in copper to form well-defined shape-rich compounds with high melting points, thereby improving the morphology of original inclusions [15,16].…”

The Influence of Rare Earth Ce on the Microstructure and Properties of Cast Pure Copper

“…Existing studies suggest that rare earth can also enhance the microstructure and properties of copper alloys. Rare earth primarily functions in copper alloys by the following: (i) exhibiting highly reactive chemical properties that enable it to react with detrimental elements such as oxygen, sulfur, hydrogen, etc., forming high-melting-point compounds which float on the slag and act as purifying agents [9][10][11] and (ii) dispersing fine high-melting-point compounds throughout the copper alloy matrix to serve as new crystalline cores for grain refinement [12][13][14]. Due to its reactivity, rare earth readily reacts with impurities in copper to form well-defined shape-rich compounds with high melting points, thereby improving the morphology of original inclusions [15,16].…”