Work softening behavior of Cu–Cr–Ti–Si alloy during cold deformation

Work hardening is a common method of strengthening copper-based alloys. However, softening behavior is observed in Cu–Cr–Ti–Si alloy during cold rolling processes. Cold deformation greater than 85% can induce softening behavior. We used an electron backscatter diffraction system, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy to analyze the microstructure of alloy samples subjected to different degrees of cold deformation. A greater proportion of high-angle grain boundaries, a lower dislocation density, and certain dislocation configurations indicated that the recovery takes place during heavy cold deformation leading to softening phenomenon.