Institute of Metals Division - The Effects of Stored Energy and Recrystallization on the Creep Rupture Properties of Internally Oxidized Copper-Alumina and Copper-Silica Alloys

A number of Cu-SiO, and Cu-A1203 alloys of low oxide content, produced by internal oxidation of copper-silicon and copper-aluminum dilute solid solutions, were exposed at temperatures up to 1050°C for fairly long times to bring about partial or total re crystallization. The creep-rupture properties of these re crystallized alloys were compared to those in the as-extruded condition at 450° C. Some of the alloys were cold worked after re crystallization to note changes in creep-rupture properties, also at 450OC. SINCE the introduction of the SAP alloy in 1949,~ many studies have been carried out on similar oxide and intermetallic dispersion hardened alloys to determine properties and to establish the mechanisms involved in the strengthening process which led to stable, high-temperature behavior.'-' To date, it has been indicated that, however achieved, the structure should be composed of a continuous ductile metal matrix in which is dispersed a fine, submicron size, hard, insoluble second phase (or at least, essentially insoluble at temperatures very near the melting point), with a submicron or near submicron interparticle spacing. Stored energy, obtained by a high strain rate deformation process appears desirable, as an additional strengthening means beyond pure dispersion.=