High ductility, high strength aluminum conductor

摘要

A high ductility, high strength, moderate conductivity aluminum conductor article and process for making the article are described. The article is a conductor of elongated geometry containing a low volume fraction of intermetallic fibers which are aligned parallel with the major axis of the conductor. The surrounding matrix is aluminum of at least commercial purity to which from 0.5 to 1.5% copper has been added. The fabrication process involves the coupled solidification of eutectic and slightly proeutectic compositions to produce a fibrous microstructure, followed by mechanical working. The ductility of the finished article will exceed about 5%. The final properties may be varied by heat treatments. The broad composition is 1.0-2.0% Co, 0.5-1.5% Cu, balance aluminum.