Evolution of the texture, mechanical properties, and microstructure of Cu-2.7Be alloys during hot cross-rolling

The evolution of the microstructure and texture of Cu-2.7Be alloys during hot rolling was investigated and related to the mechanical properties of the resulting sheets. Hot cross-rolling is shown to be an effective way to refine the hard and brittle secondary-phase particles in Cu-2.7Be alloys. The Cu- and brass-type textures increase and decrease in prevalence, respectively, during the rolling process. The yield strengths along the first and second rolling directions, and 45 to the former, are all enhanced because the corresponding Schmid factors decrease as the sheets are rolled thinner. The ductility anisotropy of the as-rolled sheets is related to the distribution and shape of the secondary-phase particles therein. (orig.)