Effect of preheating on the mechanical properties of tough pitch copper made from copper scraps

Abstract

When hot rolled tough pitch copper is made from copper scraps, lead is intentionally or unintentionally added to the melt. The major role of this lead seems to be the removal of metallic tin by the formation of PbO–SnO₂. A continuously cast and hot rolled copper rod was preheated at temperatures between 673–1173 K for 1 h prior to cold drawing. The maximum diameter of the PbO–SnO₂, of 1–2 μm, was obtained by preheating at 873 K. This preheating temperature also produced the maximum decrease in the recrystallization temperature and the maximum electrical conductivity of the 89.4% cold drawn wire within the investigated experimental range. This can be attributed to a decrease in the dissolved impurity concentration due to the growth of PbO–SnO₂ particles at that temperature. The decrease in recrystallization temperature enhanced the room temperature multiple upset weldability. When preheated at 1173 K, Zn₂SnO₄ particles were formed, but the recrystallization temperature increased and the electrical conductivity decreased due to the dissolution of PbO–SnO₂.