A nano-micro dual-scale particulate-reinforced copper matrix composite with high strength, high electrical conductivity and superior wear resistance.

Due to the contradiction between mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, it is not easy to fabricate materials with both high strength and good wear resistance with favourable electrical conductivity for the application of electrical materials. In addition, strength and wear resistance do not always present a uniform growth trend at the same time. Herein, a novel copper matrix composite reinforced by synthesized ZrB microparticles and nano CuZr precipitates is successfully prepared by a casting method and sequential heat treatments.

A promising structure for fabricating high strength and high electrical conductivity copper alloys.

To address the trade-off between strength and electrical conductivity, we propose a strategy: introducing precipitated particles into a structure composed of deformation twins. A Cu-0.3%Zr alloy was designed to verify our strategy.