Effect of Zr and Sc on mechanical properties and electrical conductivities of Al wires

In order to obtain the Al wires with good mechanical properties and high electrical conductivities, conductive wires of Al–0.16Zr, Al–0.16Sc, Al–0.12Sc–0.04Zr (mass fraction, %) and pure Al (99.996%) were produced with the diameter of 9.5 mm by continuous rheo-extrusion technology, and the extruded materials were heat treated and analyzed. The results show that the separate additions of 0.16% Sc and 0.16% Zr to pure Al improve the ultimate tensile strength but reduce the electrical conductivity, and the similar trend is found in the Al–0.12Sc–0.04Zr alloy. After the subsequent heat treatment, the wire with the optimum comprehensive properties is Al–0.12Sc–0.04Zr alloy, of which the ultimate tensile strength and electrical conductivity reach 160 MPa and 64.03% (IACS), respectively.