Influence of thermomechanical treatment on microstructure and properties of electroslag remelted Cu–Cr–Zr alloy

• Effect of ESR process on microstructure of Cu–Cr–Zr alloy was investigated.
• The hardness, strength and electrical conductivity are sensitive to thermomechanical treatment.
• The microstructure of the alloy can be optimized for obtaining the best combination of mechanical and electrical properties.

Effect of thermomechanical treatment (TMT) on aging behavior of electroslag remelted Cu–Cr–Zr alloy was investigated. The relationship between microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties was clarified using hardness, tensile and electrical conductivity testing methods and optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The results showed that an appropriate processing and aging treatment may improve the properties of the alloy due to the formation of fine, dispersive and coherent precipitates within the matrix. Indeed, the optimum condition for electrical conductivity and mechanical properties was obtained after cold working of 40% followed by aging at 500 °C for 150 min.