Designing scheme of compositionally tuned high-strength and high-conductive copper alloy: a systematic phase transformation study

Copper alloys are at the forefront of alloy innovation, as they possess outstanding strength and unparalleled electrical conductivity. This papers sequentially reviews current strategic approaches that have successfully balanced the attainment of both strength and conductivity in copper alloys in the Cu–Fe–Si system. These approaches involve fine-tuning the composition and utilizing hierarchical multi-scale microstructural templates. This work provides a comprehensive assessment of the important developmental stages of high-strength conductive copper alloys in the Cu–Fe–Si system. This study emphasizes the relationship between composition, microstructure, and mechanical and electrical properties by implementing a cost-effective rapid casting method with alloying procedures and conducting extensive electron microscopy for microstructural characterization. The full research yields valuable insights that may be used to optimize copper alloys for a wide range of applications that demand both strength and conductivity. Furthermore, the present study additionally enhances our understanding of the phase transformation events in the alloy system by including novel microstructural observations. The current paper also presents novel findings about sustainable performance and real-time engineering applications, specifically in connection to creep qualities and their link with microstructure. This paper explores the complex relationship between the composition of alloys and the process of refining their structure. The knowledge acquired provides a foundation for creating customized alloys that are well-positioned to suit the changing requirements of various industries, including aerospace and electronics.