Effect of Friction Stir Processing on the Structure and Properties of the Low-Doped Cu–Cr–Zr Alloy

The effect of friction stir processing and subsequent aging on the microstructure and physicomechanical properties of the thermally hardened Cu–0.3% Cr–0.5% Zr alloy has been studied. Plastic deformation under friction stir processing leads to the formation of an ultrafinely grained structure with an average grain size of 0.5 µm, the decomposition of a supersaturated solid solution, and the precipitation of disperse particles in the stir zone. It has been shown that aging is accompanied by the additional precipitation of disperse particles and the development of recovery in the zone of processing. The refinement of a granular structure and the precipitation of particles leads to an increase in the strength properties and electrical conductivity in the stir zone. Aging is accompanied by a surplus increase in conductivity without any significant decrease in strength characteristics. The effect of structural evolution under friction stir processing and aging on the Cu–Cr–Zr alloy properties is discussed.