Microstructure and electrical conductivity of Cu–Cr–Zr alloy aged with dc electric current

The microstructure and electrical conductivity of Cu–Cr–Zr alloy aged with dc electric current were examined. The electric current was found to enhance the aging process of the alloy. The electrical conductivity of the alloy aged by dc current was increased and the presence of Cr-rich phases in multifarious shapes was observed. The promotion of diffusibility of the solute atoms and the mobility of vacancies by the dc current were thought to be the reasons for the enhancement of the aging process.