Effects of calcium on the mechanical properties of ultra-fine grained gold wires

A study was conducted to determine the effects of calcium (Ca) concentration in the parts-per-million (ppm) range on the tensile properties of gold (Au) wires having ultra-fine grain (UFG) sizes. It was observed that low levels of Ca doping simultaneously increases the strength and elongation to break (ductility) of UFG Au wires, while average grain size and orientation appear to remain unaltered. Possible mechanisms that could account for the effects are discussed.