Cu-Ti-Ni Copper Alloy Processing for Strength and Bendability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current copper-titanium (Cu—Ti) based copper alloy materials face challenges in achieving both high strength and excellent bendability simultaneously, as existing methods often compromise on either strength or bendability, failing to meet the requirements for miniaturized and complex-shaped components in the automobile and electronics industries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving melting and casting of copper alloys with specific titanium and nickel content, followed by a series of thermal and mechanical treatments including hot working, cold rolling, heat treatment, and aging, to control the microstructure and achieve a balance between tensile strength and bendability, with a focus on optimizing the X-ray diffraction peak intensity ratios and intermetallic compound distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If copper-titanium alloy is used to achieve high strength, then tensile strength reaches 950 MPa or higher, but bendability deteriorates and cannot satisfy R/t≤1.5(180°)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by adding nickel (0.01-1.0 wt%) to the copper-titanium alloy, and controls the Ti/Ni weight ratio within 10-100. This parameter modification enables the alloy to achieve both high tensile strength (950 MPa or higher) and excellent bendability (R/t≤1.5 at 180°), resolving the contradiction between strength and formability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite microstructure consisting of copper matrix with precipitated intermetallic compounds ((Cu,Ni)Ti). This composite structure, achieved through controlled aging treatment, provides both high strength from the precipitates and good bendability from the copper matrix, simultaneously satisfying both requirements
2Strength
If titanium is added to form intermetallic compounds for strengthening, then strength increases, but Ti is consumed by additive elements and becomes less effective in suppressing grain-boundary precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces nickel as an intermediary element that mediates between titanium and the copper matrix. Nickel forms (Cu,Ni)Ti intermetallic compounds that are more stable and less prone to consumption by additive elements. This intermediary approach enhances the effectiveness of titanium in suppressing grain-boundary precipitation while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the Ti/Ni weight ratio within 10-100 and controls nickel content at 0.01-1.0 wt%. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient titanium remains available for forming strengthening precipitates while nickel protects against excessive titanium consumption by additive elements, maintaining both strength and precipitation control
3Strength
If additive elements are excessively added to improve strength, then strength increases, but the amount of solid solution of Ti is decreased, offsetting the advantage of Cu-Ti alloy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention strictly controls the total amount of additive elements and optimizes the Ti/Ni ratio to ensure sufficient titanium remains in solid solution. By limiting additive element content and using nickel as a protective intermediary, the invention maintains adequate titanium solid solution (required for spinodal decomposition strengthening) while still achieving high strength through controlled precipitate formation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces copper alloy materials with tensile strength of 950 MPa or more and bendability satisfying R/t≤1.5(180°) in both rolling and perpendicular directions, suitable for complex-shaped components, by finely controlling the crystal grain size and intermetallic compound distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The Cu—Ti-based copper alloys are spinodal decomposition type alloys, whose strength is improved by spinodal decomposition of Ti. Ti forms an intermetallic compound with Cu in a Cu matrix structure and is precipitated into a second phase at grain boundaries or in grains.
Implementation Method 2
Ti forms an intermetallic compound with Cu in a Cu matrix structure and is precipitated into a second phase at grain boundaries or in grains.
Implementation Method 3
A method involving melting and casting of copper alloys with specific titanium and nickel content, followed by a series of thermal and mechanical treatments including hot working, cold rolling, heat treatment, and aging
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates a method of producing a copper-titanium (Cu—Ti)-based copper alloy, and provides a method of producing a copper alloy material for automobile and electrical/electronic components requiring high performance by satisfying high strength and bendability together.