Structure and Properties of Cu/Mg Composites Produced by Hydrostatic Extrusion

Abstract

Two Cu/Mg-composite rods of different content of components were produced by hydrostatic extrusion. The volume proportion of the copper sheath and magnesium core was almost equal in one of the two composite samples. Seven thin magnesium fibers were located in the copper matrix of another composite. Estimate calculations of the strength properties and electrical resistance of deformed composites were carried out and compared with the experimental results. The influence of anneals on the microstructure and electrical and mechanical properties of composites was also studied. This work has shown that a temperature rise causes sequential formation of the intermetallic compounds CuMg₂ and Cu₂Mg at the Cu/Mg interface, which, according to the phase diagram, results in eutectic reactions. The results of this work can be used in the development of high-strength composite conductors.