Microstructures and electrical conductivity of Cu-Ca alloys for high efficiency induction motors

Abstract

The micro structures and electrical conductivity of newly developed Cu-Ca alloys for semi-solid forming have been investigated. High purity calcium was added to molten copper up to 1.4% by weight and mold-cast into a rod. Thermomechanical treatment (TMT) has been carried out to evaluate the variation in electrical conductivity and microstructures of Cu-Ca alloys. The electrical conductivity of copper was reduced linearly with the concentration of calcium by chi(%IACS) = 101 - k(.)C, where k is a constant having the values ranging from 16.7 to 20, depending on the processing condition. The introduction of prestrain significantly reduced the grain size during subsequent heating by recrystallization, influencing the electrical conductivity of Cu-Ca alloys.