Thermal stability of electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of thin wires from aluminum alloys Al–0.25%Zr–(Si, Er, Hf, Nb)

The thermal stability of thin wires made of aluminum alloys Al-0.25%Zr, additionally alloyed with Si, Er, Hf, Nb, was studied. Cast blanks were obtained by induction casting in vacuum; wire with a diameter of 0.3 mm was obtained by drawing with preliminary deformation treatment of the blanks. The effect of the annealing temperature on the mechanical properties and specific electric resistivity (SER) of aluminum wires has been studied. The microstructure of wires in the recrystallized state is investigated. It is shown that as the annealing temperature increases, there is a monotonous decrease in tensile strength, micro-hardness, and SER. It is established that the ductility of the wire does not monotonously (with a maximum) depend on the annealing temperature. Optimal annealing modes have been determined, providing the best combination of tensile strength, microhardness and SER of aluminum wire.