High-strength and high-conductivity bimetallic Fe/Cu wires

The article presents research results on the microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of a newly developed Fe/Cu bimetallic wire characterized by high strength and electrical conductivity.The wire was obtained using the "rod-in-tube" technology, finally drawn to a diameter of 0.20 mm.Appropriate heat treatment was selected to obtain a wire with high strength properties.The microstructure of the wire after cold drawing was examined using an optical microscope (OM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an EDS detector.Tests were performed to determine the mechanical and electrical properties.The appropriate heat treatment allows for the desired pearlitic microstructure of the steel core, which guarantees the high tensile strength of the bimetallic wire, approximately 2035 MPa, after the final drawing.The volume fraction of the copper layer ensures high electrical propertiesapproximately 50 % IACS.K e y w o r d s : bimetallic wires, Fe/Cu composite wire, pearlitic microstructure, wire drawing, mechanical properties