Mechanical Behavior and Wear Characteristics of a Conform Extruded C18150 (Cu-Cr-Zr Alloy) Rod

Abstract

The demand level of Cu-Cr base alloys is on the top notch from miniature parts to large parts based on their mechanical, metallurgical, chemical, and electrical properties. Due to these, the processing of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys for the betterment of those properties has been a prospect for researchers. Commonly, Cu-Cr alloys are manufactured through the conventional extrusion process at the industrial level. However, conventional extrusion processes have some limitations, specifically regarding grain size refinement and accompanying strength. To avoid such a problem, the conform extrusion process is inculcated for the Cu and Al alloys extrusion. In the present study, C18150 copper rods were extruded from the feed stock rod of 12.5 mm to 10 and 8 mm in diameter through the conform extrusion process; however, no posttreatment and artificial aging have been made to the extrudates. The extrudates of C18150 rods were tested mechanically and microstructurally. Significant mechanical properties improvement has been observed as the diameter decreased to a certain dimension. Same phenomenon is also observed in the microstructural and hardness case. Wear test results also followed the similarity with that of mechanical properties.