Enhancing the Electrical Conductivity of Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper Rods Processed by Incremental Equal Channel Angular Pressing

Marta Ciemiorek , Łukasz Pawliszak , Witold Chromiński , Lech Olejnik , Małgorzata Lewandowska

Abstract

Electrolytic tough pitch copper rods were processed by Incremental Equal Channel Angular Pressing and subjected to short-term annealing. Conductivity of 94 pct IACS without significant changes in the material’s microstructure and mechanical properties, up to 130 HV0.2, was achieved, which gives a very good ratio of electrical conductivity to strength in comparison with other processing methods. The proposed method offers a solution for manufacturing rods of significant sizes with good mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.