Effects of Zr on Microstructure and Heat-Resistance of Aluminum Alloy Used for Wires

Variation of electrical conductivity and tensile strength of aluminum with different Zr contents after different heat treatments was tested by electronic universal testing machine. Meanwhile, the microstructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the effect of Zr on microstructures and heat-resistance of aluminum alloy used for wires were studied. The results show that the grains became finer, electrical conductivity decreased, plasticity and heat-resistance increased after adding small amount Zr. The continuous allowable temperature of the aluminum alloy with 0.04wt% and 0.08wt% Zr addition increased to 150 ℃ and 180 ℃ respectively.