The influence of the temperature of tensile test on the structure and plastic properties of copper alloy type CuCr1Zr

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of temperature of plastic deformation on the structure and mechanical properties of copper alloy of the type CuCr1Zr during a tensile test. Design/methodology/approach: The tensile test of the investigated alloy was realized in the temperature range of 20÷700˚C with strain rate of 1.2 • 10–3 s–1. Metallographic observations of the structure were carried out on a light microscope and the fractographic investigation of fracture on an electron scanning microscope. Findings: The mechanical properties of alloy as well as the range of occurrence of the Portevin - Le Chatelier phenomenon was determined on the basis of σ-e curves formed by tensile tests; however the character of fracture during the break of the samples was defined on the basis of fractographic investigations. Practical implications: In result of tensile tests of copper alloy it has been found that the PLC effect occurs in temperature range of 250÷400˚C. However, the ductility minimum temperature of the alloy equals about 550˚C. Originality/value: A correlation of temperature of PLC effect was achieved with a qualitative description of the type of ”teething” on the σ-e curves, compatible with the classification quoted in literature.