Simultaneous Increase of Electrical Conductivity and Hardness of Al-1.5 wt.% Mn Alloy by Addition of 1.5 wt.% Cu and 0.5 wt.% Zr

The effect of Cu and Zr additions and annealing temperature on electrical conductivity and hardness of the Al-1.5 wt.% Mn alloy in the form of as-cast ingots and cold rolled sheets has been investigated. It is shown that due to the formation of low alloyed aluminum solid solution and Al20Cu2Mn3 and Al3Zr (L1(2)) phase nanoparticles, the 1.5MnCuZr alloy is superior to the base 1.5Mn alloy both in the hardness (up to two times) and electrical conductivity (up to 30%) after metal processing and annealing. A new alloy can be considered as a replacement for existing 6201 type conductive alloys.