Effects of homogenization treatment on the microstructure of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy

The as-cast and homogeneous microstructures are analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The results show that the as-cast microstructure of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy is typical dendritic structure which is mainly made up of Cr dendrite and eutectic structures and matrix. Eutectic structures are composed of Cu and Cu₅Zr phase with a fine lamellar structure. By increasing the homogenization temperature or prolonging the holding time, the eutectic structure is dissolved into the matrix gradually with obvious reduced fraction volume and Cr phases. The proper homogenizing process is 900 ℃×12 h.