High electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy for aerospace applications

Abstract

This invention discloses a high-conductivity and thermally conductive sulfur copper alloy for aerospace applications. The solution employs dual deoxidation using hydrogen and a deoxidizer. For hydrogen deoxidation, the solubility of hydrogen in the solution is increased under a predetermined pressure, expanding the contact range between hydrogen and oxygen. Water vapor and residual hydrogen from the hydrogen-oxygen reaction are discharged from the copper solution under reduced pressure. Subsequently, a deoxidizer, primarily composed of borides, is blown into the solution a second time with the reducing gas. During the rising of the reducing gas, oxygen is absorbed while deoxidation occurs through reactions with borides. After deoxidation with borides, the reactants rise to the surface of the solution, where slag is removed. Following dual deoxidation, a deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agent is added. Under low-oxygen conditions, the reactants formed by the reaction of rare earth elements with hydrogen and oxygen dissolve in the copper, acting as a micro-alloying agent. This helps improve conductivity and other mechanical properties. The content is then adjusted before casting. The resulting sulfur copper exhibits excellent conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties, making it suitable for aerospace electrical connections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of alloy technology, and more specifically to a high electrical and thermal conductivity sulfur-copper alloy for aerospace applications. Background Technology

[0002] Conductive devices in aerospace equipment require not only high conductivity but also excellent machinability of copper to form complex shapes. Currently used copper alloys, such as copper sulfate (C14720), possess good machinability due to the dispersed distribution of a second phase between or within grains and the inherent softness of the second phase, thus meeting the requirements for device forming and conductivity. However, its conductivity and other properties need further improvement. Currently, there is limited publicly available research on copper sulfate in China, and our company plans to initiate a development project to address this issue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address at least one of the aforementioned technical deficiencies, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0004] This application discloses a highly electrical and thermally conductive sulfur-copper alloy for aerospace applications, including the following steps:

[0005] First, melt the pre-selected ingredients;

[0006] Second, hydrogen gas is blown into the bottom of the molten pool under a predetermined pressure, and the pressure is maintained while the mixture is stirred.

[0007] Third, pressure reduction and exhaust;

[0008] Fourth, a reducing gas mixed with deoxidizer is blown in from the bottom of the molten pool. The deoxidizer consists of 82-92% calcium hexaboride and 8-18% boron, and the deoxidizer accounts for 0.6-0.8% of the weight of the melt.

[0009] Fifth, a reducing gas mixed with deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents is blown into the molten pool from the bottom. The deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents, by mass, include 0.6-1.8% lanthanum, 0.3-0.6% cerium, 0.1-0.2% yttrium, 0.05-0.12% neodymium, and the balance copper; the deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents account for 0.004-0.008% of the weight of the melt.

[0010] Sixth, adjust the content of the solution components: copper 99.3-99.5%, P 0.01-0.03%, S 0.2-0.5%, Pb < 0.1%;

[0011] Seventh, casting.

[0012] This solution employs dual deoxidation using hydrogen and a deoxidizer. For hydrogen deoxidation, the solubility of hydrogen in the solution is increased under a predetermined pressure, expanding the contact range between hydrogen and oxygen. Water vapor and residual hydrogen from the hydrogen-oxygen reaction are discharged from the copper solution under reduced pressure. Subsequently, a deoxidizer, primarily composed of borides, is blown into the solution a second time with the reducing gas. As the reducing gas rises, it absorbs oxygen while simultaneously deoxidizing through reactions with borides. After deoxidation by borides, the reactants rise to the surface of the solution, where slag is removed. After dual deoxidation, a deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agent is added. Under low-oxygen conditions, the reactants formed by the reaction of rare earth elements with hydrogen and oxygen dissolve in the copper, acting as a micro-alloying agent. This helps improve electrical conductivity and other mechanical properties. The content is then adjusted before casting. The resulting sulfur copper exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties, making it suitable for aerospace electrical connections.

[0013] Furthermore, in the second step, an inert gas is introduced to achieve a predetermined pressure of 15-20 MPa, which helps to increase the amount of hydrogen dissolved in the solution.

[0014] Furthermore, the flow rate of hydrogen is 5-15 m / s. 3 / h.

[0015] Furthermore, depressurizing to 0-0.2 MPa to exhaust gas helps water vapor and hydrogen to rise and escape.

[0016] Furthermore, in the fifth step, the flow rate of the reducing gas mixed with the deoxygenating and dehydrogenating agent is 6-10 m / s. 3 / h, such as 8m 3 / h、9m 3 / h.

[0017] Furthermore, the reducing gas is carbon monoxide, acetylene, or methane.

[0018] Furthermore, the melting temperature is between 1200-1280℃.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0020] 1. This invention employs double deoxidation to maintain the solution in a low-oxygen state, followed by blowing in rare earth deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents. Some rare earth reactants are dissolved in copper, playing a role in micro-alloying. The resulting sulfur copper exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0022] Example 1

[0023] A high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy for aerospace applications, comprising the following steps:

[0024] First, place the desired copper material in the furnace and melt it at 1230℃, maintaining the temperature.

[0025] Second, argon gas is introduced through top blowing to maintain a pressure of 16 MPa inside the furnace. After maintaining this pressure, hydrogen gas is then blown in from the bottom of the molten pool at a flow rate of 8 m³ / s. 3 / h, until the furnace body is at 19MPa, maintain pressure and stir for 10min.

[0026] Third, reduce pressure and exhaust gas to 0 MPa, allowing water vapor and residual hydrogen to rise and be extracted over 15 minutes.

[0027] Fourth, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizer is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 6 m / s. 3 / h, expressed by mass, the deoxidizer consists of 88% calcium hexaboride and 12% boron, and the deoxidizer accounts for 0.6% of the weight of the solution. After the deoxidizer is blown in, stir for 5 minutes.

[0028] Fifth, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 6 m / s. 3 / h, by mass, the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent includes 0.8% lanthanum, 0.4% cerium, 0.1% yttrium, 0.08% neodymium, and the balance copper; the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent accounts for 0.004% of the weight of the solution, and is stirred for 6 minutes after the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent is blown in.

[0029] Sixth, adjust the content of the solution components: copper 99.5%, P 0.02%, S 0.4%, Pb 0.03%, with the remainder being unavoidable impurities.

[0030] Seventh, casting.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] A high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy for aerospace applications, comprising the following steps:

[0033] First, place the desired copper material in the furnace and melt it at 1250℃, maintaining the temperature.

[0034] Second, argon gas is introduced through top blowing to maintain a pressure of 17 MPa inside the furnace. After maintaining this pressure, hydrogen gas is then blown in from the bottom of the molten pool at a flow rate of 6 m³ / s. 3 / h, until the furnace body is at 19MPa, maintain pressure and stir for 15min.

[0035] Third, reduce the pressure and exhaust the gas. Reduce the pressure to 0 MPa, and extract the water vapor and residual hydrogen gas by floating to the surface for 10 minutes.

[0036] Fourth, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizer is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 7 m / s. 3 / h, expressed by mass, the deoxidizer consists of 90% calcium hexaboride and 10% boron, and the deoxidizer accounts for 0.7% of the weight of the solution. After the deoxidizer is blown in, stir for 7 minutes.

[0037] Fifth, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 7 m / s. 3 / h, by mass, the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent includes 1.2% lanthanum, 0.4% cerium, 0.15% yttrium, 0.1% neodymium, and the balance copper; the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent accounts for 0.005% of the weight of the solution, and is stirred for 7 minutes after the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent is blown in.

[0038] Sixth, adjust the content of the solution components: copper 99.5%, P 0.02%, S 0.4%, Pb 0.03%, with the remainder being unavoidable impurities.

[0039] Example 3

[0040] A high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy for aerospace applications, comprising the following steps:

[0041] First, place the desired copper material in the furnace and melt it at 1260℃, maintaining the temperature.

[0042] Second, argon gas is introduced through top blowing to bring the furnace body to a pressure of 15 MPa. This pressure is maintained, and then hydrogen gas is blown in from the bottom of the molten pool at a flow rate of 10 m³ / s. 3 / h, until the furnace body is at 19MPa, maintain pressure and stir for 10min.

[0043] Third, reduce pressure and exhaust gas to 0 MPa, allowing water vapor and residual hydrogen to rise and be extracted over 8 minutes.

[0044] Fourth, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizer is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 6 m / s. 3 / h, expressed by mass, the deoxidizer consists of 92% calcium hexaboride and 8% boron, and the deoxidizer accounts for 0.6% of the weight of the solution. After the deoxidizer is blown in, stir for 5 minutes.

[0045] Fifth, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 6 m / s. 3 / h, by mass, the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent includes 1.0% lanthanum, 0.5% cerium, 0.2% yttrium, 0.1% neodymium, and the balance copper; the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent accounts for 0.006% of the weight of the solution, and is stirred for 10 minutes after the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent is blown in.

[0046] Sixth, adjust the content of the solution components: copper 99.5%, P 0.02%, S 0.4%, Pb 0.03%, with the remainder being unavoidable impurities.

[0047] Comparative Example 1

[0048] The preparation of copper-sulfur alloy includes the following steps:

[0049] First, place the desired copper material in the furnace and melt it at 1230℃, maintaining the temperature.

[0050] Second, argon gas is introduced through top blowing to maintain a pressure of 16 MPa inside the furnace. After maintaining this pressure, hydrogen gas is then blown in from the bottom of the molten pool at a flow rate of 8 m³ / s. 3 / h, until the furnace body is at 19MPa, maintain pressure and stir for 10min.

[0051] Third, reduce pressure and exhaust gas to 0 MPa, allowing water vapor and residual hydrogen to rise and be extracted.

[0052] Fourth, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizer is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 6 m / s. 3 / h, expressed by mass, the deoxidizer consists of 88% calcium hexaboride and 8-12% boron, and the deoxidizer accounts for 0.6% of the weight of the solution. After the deoxidizer is blown in, stir for 5 minutes.

[0053] Fifth, adjust the content of the solution components: copper 99.5%, P 0.02%, S 0.4%, Pb 0.03%, with the remainder being unavoidable impurities.

[0054] Comparative Example 2

[0055] Sulfur-copper alloy, comprising the following steps:

[0056] First, place the desired copper material in the furnace and melt it at 1230℃, maintaining the temperature.

[0057] Second, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizer is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 6 m / s. 3 / h, expressed by mass, the deoxidizer consists of 88% calcium hexaboride and 8-12% boron, and the deoxidizer accounts for 0.6% of the weight of the solution. After the deoxidizer is blown in, stir for 5 minutes.

[0058] Third, carbon monoxide gas mixed with deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agents is blown into the molten pool from the bottom at a flow rate of 6 m / s. 3 / h, by mass, the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent includes 0.8% lanthanum, 0.4% cerium, 0.1% yttrium, 0.08% neodymium, and the balance copper; the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent accounts for 0.004% of the weight of the solution, and is stirred for 6 minutes after the deoxygenation and dehydrogenation agent is blown in.

[0059] Fourth, adjust the content of the solution components: copper 99.5%, P 0.02%, S 0.4%, Pb 0.03%, with the remainder being unavoidable impurities.

[0060] Fifth, casting.

[0061] The performance of the cast bars was tested, as shown in Table 1:

[0062] Table 1

[0063]

[0064] It can be seen that rare earth compounds can play a role in microalloying only in the low-oxygen environment formed after double deoxidation. Sulfur copper formed under single deoxidation or only double deoxidation conditions generally performs poorly in various properties.

[0065] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy for aerospace applications, characterized in that, The preparation process includes the following steps: First, melt the pre-selected ingredients; Second, hydrogen gas is blown into the bottom of the molten pool under a predetermined pressure, and the pressure is maintained while the mixture is stirred. Third, pressure reduction and exhaust; Fourth, a reducing gas mixed with deoxidizer is blown in from the bottom of the molten pool. By mass, the deoxidizer consists of 82-92% calcium hexaboride and 8-18% boron, and the deoxidizer accounts for 0.6-0.8% of the weight of the melt. Fifth, a reducing gas mixed with a deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agent is blown into the molten pool from the bottom. By mass, the deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agent includes 0.6-1.8% lanthanum, 0.3-0.6% cerium, 0.1-0.2% yttrium, 0.05-0.12% neodymium, and the balance copper; the deoxidizing and dehydrogenating agent accounts for 0.004-0.008% of the melt weight. Sixth, adjust the melt composition: copper 99.3-99.5%, P 0.01-0.03%, S 0.2-0.5%, Pb < 0.1%; Seventh, casting.

2. The aerospace-grade high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In the second step, inert gas is introduced to bring the predetermined pressure to 15-20 MPa.

3. The aerospace-grade high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flow rate of hydrogen is 5-15m. 3 / h.

4. The aerospace-grade high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Reduce the pressure to 0-0.2 MPa to release the gas.

5. The aerospace-grade high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step five, the flow rate of the reducing gas mixed with the deoxygenating and dehydrogenating agent is 6-10 m / s. 3 / h.

6. The aerospace-grade high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In steps four and five, the reducing gas is carbon monoxide, acetylene, or methane.

7. The aerospace-grade high electrical and thermal conductivity copper-sulfur alloy as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The melt temperature is between 1200-1280℃.

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