Effect of Continuous Extrusion and Drawing on Microstructure and Properties of Cu-2Ag-0.04La Alloy

Cu-2Ag-0.04La alloy rod with a diameter of 14 mm was prepared by downward continuous casting directional solidification technology, and then was continuously extruded to obtain alloy wire with a diameter of 7 mm, and finally was drawed for 6 passes to obtain alloy wire with a diameter of 2 mm. The effects of continuous extrusion and drawing on the microstructure and properties of the alloy were studied. The results show that during continuous extrusion of the as-cast alloy, 001〈100〉 texture was weakened, and a small amount of 111〈112〉 and 110〈112〉 textures were formed. After drawing, 001〈100〉 texture disappeared, and the strength of 111〈112〉 and 110〈112〉 textures increased. The tensile strength, percentage elongation after fracture, hardness and conductivity of the continuously extruded alloy were 270.0 MPa, 31.2%, 84.3 HV, 93.2%IACS, respectively, and after drawing were 566.1 MPa, 4.6%, 151.6 HV, 88.9%IACS, respectively.