Tailored Mechanical and Conductive Properties of Continuous Rheo-Extruded Al–Sc–Zr Alloy Conductors by Thermomechanical Treatment

Abstract

Al–0.12Sc–0.04Zr (mass%) alloy conductive wires were designed and produced by continuous rheo-extrusion process. The effects of cold drawing process on microstructure, mechanical and conductive properties of the wires after aging treatment at different temperature were studied. Results showed that after cold drawing process, secondary Al₃(Sc–Zr) phase homogeneously precipitated and became smaller in size. The tensile strength increased from 115 MPa to 217 MPa due to the homogeneous distribution of secondary Al₃(Sc–Zr) phase in smaller size. Cold drawing process did not result in severe loss of conductive property.