DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH STRENGTH AND HIGH CONDUCTIVITY Cu–Ag ALLOY FOR MEDICAL ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT

The effect of thermal heat treatment on the mechanical and electrical properties of Cu–Ag alloys was investigated. The homogenization heat treatment leads to an increase in tensile strength and a decrease in electrical conductivity due to dissolution of Ag into copper matrix. Also, it is shown that electrical conductivity of as-cast Cu–Ag alloys decreases with increasing Ag content. In contrast, the aging heat treatment gives rise to increase both the tensile strength and electrical conductivity because the Ag solute diffuses out from copper matrix during aging heat treatment. Therefore, it can be mentioned that the electrical conductivity of Cu–Ag alloys depends on Ag solute in copper matrix. Also, aging treatment is favorable to acquire high strength and high electrical conductivity.