Abstract:

Microstructure and microhardness of AuCuAgZn17-7-1 alloy for brush under different solution and aging processes were tested and analyzed by means of optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and microhardness tester. The results show that with the increase of solution temperature, the grain size is increased. The microhardness of the tested alloy after solution at 670 ℃ for 30 min is significantly lower than that of the original material, and the microhardness uniformity is increased, which leads to elimination of the microhardness difference between the edge and the core of contact parts. The second phase is precipitated during aging process, and is gradually increased with the increase of aging temperature. The microhardness is increased first and then decreased, and there is obvious aging hardening effect. The peak-aging microhardness of the alloy is reached at 311.5 HV0.2 after solution treatment at 670 ℃ for 30 min and aging treatment at 250 ℃ for 60 min.

Key words: AuCuAgZn17-7-1 alloy, heat treatment process, microstructure, microhardness