Solidification Structure of Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Zr Alloys

The influence of cooling rate on the solidification structure and mass of eutectic compounds in Cu-Cr and Cu-Cr-Zr alloys was investigated. Small-size ingots as well as large-size electro-slag remelting (ESR) ingots were produced. ESR was applied so as to get ingots that were solidified over a wide range of cooling rates. The dendrite arm spacing in Cu-0.52 mass%Cr varied directly with a minus one-third power of cooling rate. The mass of eutectic compounds in Cu-0.52 similar to 0.66 mass%Cr was reduced with the addition of Zr. The mass of eutectic compounds in Cu-0.52 similar to 0.66 mass%Cr-0 similar to 0.09 mass%Zr alloys did not depend on the cooling rate.