| Abstract Scope |
The strength of metals and alloys at elevated temperatures typically decreases due to recrystallization, grain growth, and growth of second phase particles. We report here a cold worked Cu-Al2O3 composite did not recrystallize up to a temperature of 0.85Tm of Cu. The Cu-Al2O3 composite was manufactured through the internal oxidation process of dilute Cu-0.15 %Al alloy, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy to study the nature of oxide precipitates. We observe, in addition to Al2O3 particles, a high density of extremely fine (2-5 nm) cubic Cu2O particles formed epitaxially within the elongated Cu grains. We demonstrate such finely dispersed oxide particles in the deformed Cu matrix inhibit the nucleation of new defect free Cu regions with different orientation and the recrystallization process as a result of Zener drag for grain boundary migration. |