Effect of Zr addition on the microstructure and properties of Cu–10Cr in situ composites

The Cu–10Cr–0.4Zr alloy and the in situ composites based on the alloy were prepared. Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of Cu–10Cr–0.4Zr in situ composites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of 0.4 wt.% Zr in the Cu–10 wt.% Cr in situ composites gave birth to smaller as-cast Cr dendrites, which led to finer filaments at higher strain ratios. The ultimate strength of Cu–10Cr–0.4Zr composites reached 1089 MPa at draw ratio of η = 6.2, however that of Cu–10Cr prepared by the same procedure was only 887 MPa. The increasing strength of Cu–10Cr–0.4Zr in situ composites could be attributed to the combination of Hall–Petch strengthening of closely spaced Cr filaments, the strengthening effect of Zr and the strengthened Cu matrix.