Oxide dispersion-strengthened silver: manufacturing and properties

Novel oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) silver alloys were synthesised by mechanical alloying and subsequent consolidation via hot pressing in protective atmosphere. The effect of dispersoid size and volume fraction on the electrical and mechanical properties is exemplified with Cr , CaO and Y as model candidates for a systematic study of the principles of particle selection. The results for the development of the microstructure under different processing conditions show that control of the impurity level is of primary importance for achieving high-quality, fully dense material. Hence, a modified cryo-milling technique at liquid-N temperature was applied. Data at ambient temperature are presented, revealing that the mechanical and electrical properties can be tailored within a wide range as a function of the microstructure. These results are explained by microstructural concepts for room temperature yielding and electrical conductivity.