Abstract
Since M. G. Corson invented the age-hardening Cu-Ni2Si alloy, this alloy has become the most important material for the high strength conductor. The economy of Nickel, however, in all alloys is an urgent problem from the view-point of metallic resource now a days. According to this demand, the experiments of this direction are being carried out at various labor atories. We investigated the age-hardening of copper alloys containing iron Compounds to replace the above Corson-Alloy. First of all, we measured the change of mechanical, physical and chemical properties of copper rich Cu-FeSi, Cu-FeSb, Cu-Fe2P and Cu-Fe2As Systems tempered at 100_??_600° 1 hr after, quenching from 900° 1 hr. Secondly, we determined a proper heat-treatment method and optimum ratio of iron and phosphor constituents by equi-hardness curves and egui-conductivity curves in. copper corner of the more useful Cu-Fe-P System. And then we analyzed the age-hardening process of the most interesting Cu-Fe2P System by mechanical, physical and chemical changes measured on the constant-speed heating after solution-treatment. As consequence of these researches, it is explained that Cu-Fe2P alloy possesses not only the normal agc-hardening characteristics, but also is a precipitation-hardening alloy such as common ageing copper alloys. And the age-hardening process is performed as follows; (1) Room temperature-150° is the preparation-process for the 1 st precipitation (super-saturated solid solution range). (2) 150_??_250°, the 1 st precipitation hardening process. (3) 250_??_350°, latent process of ageing. (4) 350_??_450°, preparation-process for the 2 nd precipitation hardening, (5) 450_??_600°, the 2 nd precipitation hardening process. (6) over 600°, coagulation or redissolution of precipitants and reduction to stable solid solution.
Futhermore, the electrical conductivity of this alloy is so increased by tempering, that it is proper to apply it to the electrical conductor.
