Heat treatment effects on the microstructure and properties of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy used for the ITER blanket components

Cu-Cr-Zr bronze is used as a heat sink for enhanced heat flux first wall components and structural material for blanket module connectors of ITER. The solution annealing at 980 °C for 0.5 h, water quench and ageing at 475 °C for 3 h is specified as a reference heat treatment for ITER. The proper heat treatment is provided the better performance taking into account for various structural elements operating under different conditions. However, the actual manufacturing cycle might be different from the recommended one. As the result, heat treatment effects on the properties of Cu-Cr-Zr bronze might be different from that one specified in the ITER documentation. Thus, the effect of various types of heat treatment (in particular the parameters of aging) on the Cu-Cr-Zr alloy's properties is a very important. This paper deals with the investigation of heat treatment effects during aging at a temperature range of 350-750 °C and aging time from 5 to 180 min on the structure and physical-mechanical properties of Cu-Cr-Zr bronze.