Influence of solidification conditions, thermomechanical processing, and alloying additions on the structure and properties of in situ composite Cu-Ag alloys

A study was conducted to examine several poorly-understood aspects of processing, structure evolution, and strengthening in Cu-Ag alloys. Focus was on the influence of Carbon and Zr mixed with the Cu-Ag alloy during melting in an attempt to reduce oxygen contamination and the ensuing possible embrittlement. Overall, only minor improvements in structural refinement or strength were possible by modifying alloy composition and solidification conditions. There was no evidence that retained oxides/porosity from solidification were detrimental, with alloying additions perhaps leading to significant loss of conductivity.