Simultaneously Enhanced Hardness and Electrical Conductivity in a Cu-Co-Si Alloy by Optimizing Solid Solution Treatment

Effects of solid solution treatment on the microstructure and properties of a Cu-1.9Co-0.48Si alloy were investigated. The solid solution treatment temperatures and durations significantly affected the Cu-Co-Si alloy’s final properties. The hardness–conductivity product increased with the solid solution treatment temperature. After SST at 1050 °C for 5 min, cold rolled (85% deformation), and aged at 450 °C for 2 h, the studied Cu-Co-Si alloys have a hardness of 258 HV and an electrical conductivity of 56% IACS. The concurrently enhanced hardness and conductivity can be attributed to high-density nano-precipitates and dislocations. These findings can provide a reference for developing high-performance Cu-Co-Si alloys.