Effects of Cr and Zr additions on the microstructure and properties of Cu–6 wt.% Ag alloys

Cu–6 wt.% Ag with Cr and Zr additions were melt and cast and then cold drawn to wires. For the specimens at various drawing strains, the microstructure was observed, and tensile strength and electrical conductivity were determined. Simply adding Cr obviously increases strength but decreases electrical conductivity. Co-adding Cr and Zr further increases strength and slightly improves electrical conductivity. Together adding Cr and Zr not only produces Cr and Zr-rich particles but also changes the amount of Ag-rich phase in Cu–6 wt.% Ag, which are responsible for the changes of the properties.