Influence of heat treatment on mechanical properties of Cu-Ni-Zn alloys

Abstract

Copper–nickel-Zinc (Cu–Ni-Zn) alloys are widely used materials for utility in marine and chemical environments for ship and boat hulls, desalination plants, Heat exchangers, seawater and hydraulic pipelines, oil rigs and platforms, fish farming cages, seawater consumption displays etc. because of their superior corrosion resistance, higher electric conductivity, heat conductivity and mechanical properties. However, the varying percentages of Copper, Nickel, Zinc and other alloying elements may lead to a large difference in microstructure and performance of copper alloy (Nickel silver). Heat treatment of these alloys is challenge to make the material to suit for a particular application. Moreover, there is always a scope for study of processes which enhance the properties of material. Hence, this paper discovers the effect of heat treatment parameters such as temperature and time on its mechanical properties. Finally, this paper would conclude with the findings of study and provide recommendations for further studies.