The Influence of Homogenization on the Elemental Distribution and Properties of Cu-10Ni-1Fe-1Mn Alloy Ingot

A set of Cu-10Ni-1Fe-1Mn alloys were prepared. Electromagnetic casting, DC casting ingot organization, properties and composition distribution of the alloy were studied using Optical Microscope (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy spectrum analysis (EDS), Xray diffraction (XRD), Brinell Hardness Test, and electrochemical tests. The results suggested that homogenization of the Cu-10Ni-1Fe-1Mn alloy changed its properties and distribution of composition. The results also suggest that electromagnetic casting can refine casting organization, homogenize the composition of the alloy, and the casting mechanical performance is superior compared to those of DC casting. However, the composition between Dendritic branch and Dendrites was still not homogeneous. After 1 h of homogenization treatment at 950°C, the ingot composition distribution became more homogeneous, and its stiffness decreased. The tube prepared by squeezing the homogenized ingot, was soaked in 3.5% NaCl solution for 240 h, after which the tube blank surface remained a bright metal luster and XRD analysis indicated that a Cu₂O protective film of high density covered the surface of the tube. The homogenization treatment significantly improved the corrosion resistant properties of the alloy tubes.