Electrical and tensile properties of Cu-ThO₂, Au-ThO₂, Pt-ThO₂ and Au-Al₂O₃, Pt-Al₂O₃ alloys

Abstract

Dispersion-strengthened alloys of Pt, Au and Cu containing ThO₂ and Al₂O₃ were prepared by precipitating the elements from a solution containing a suspension of the oxide phase. The precipitate deposited on the oxide particles of 0.05μm average diameter and produced dispersions of good homogeneity on compaction. Alloys containing less than 2 vol% oxide phase had sufficient ductility to permit fabrication of wire. Tensile strength and elongation, hardness, and electrical resistivity were measured as a function of temperature up to 1000°C. The dispersion-strengthening caused a relatively small increase in the resistivity of the alloys compared to the resistivity of the metals. The alloys are useful where high electrical or thermal conductivity combined with superior tensile strength, hardness and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures, are desirable.