Effect of Cr Addition and Different Processes on the Microstructure and Properties of Cu–Ag Alloys

With the rapid development of high‐tech and manufacturing industries, higher mechanical properties and electrical conductivity requirements are required. Cu – 5Ag, Cu – 10Ag, Cu – 5Ag – 0.5Cr, and Cu – 10Ag – 0.5Cr (at.%) alloys are fabricated and investigated to achieve high strength and electrical conductivity. After solution treatment at 750 °C for 4 h, hot rolling by 60% at 700 °C, cold rolling by 50%, first intermediate annealing at 350 °C for 10 min, cold rolling by 50%, second intermediate annealing at 350 °C for 10 min, cold rolling by 60%, the Cu – 10Ag – 0.5Cr alloy exhibits an ultimate tensile strength of 687 MPa and an electrical conductivity of 74% international annealed copper standard. The high strength is attributed to work hardening, fiber strengthening, and precipitation strengthening. The primary Cr particles slightly reduce the mechanical properties, while the nanoscale Cr precipitates contribute to precipitation strengthening. These findings are meaningful to developing high‐strength and high‐conductivity copper – silver alloys.