Effect of Thermomechanical Processing on the Microstructure and Properties of a Cu-Fe-P Alloy

A Cu-0.7Fe-0.15P (wt.%) alloy was designed, and its comprehensive properties, especially electrical conductivity and temper-softening resistance of the designed alloy, were higher than those of traditional Cu-Fe-P alloys. The microstructure of this alloy was investigated with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The particle of secondary phase was confirmed to be Fe2P with x-ray spectroscopy and digital diffractogram. By virtue of precipitation hardening and work hardening, the tensile strength and electrical conductivity of Cu-0.7Fe-0.15P alloy were 498 MPa and 62% IACS, respectively. The electrical conductivity of this alloy can be up to 92% IACS due to the complete precipitation of Fe2P. After repeating the cold rolling and aging process for three times, the tensile strength, elongation, and conductivity of this alloy were 467 MPa, 22%, and 78% IACS, respectively. Due to the low driving force of recrystallization and the pinning effect of fine dispersed Fe2P, the alloy with low deformation rate showed excellent softening resistance. The designed alloy can be used as a high-strength, high-electrical-conductivity lead-frame alloy.