Effects of Ce on microstructure and mechanical properties of pure copper

The effects of Ce on microstructure and mechanical properties of pure copper were investigated using mechanical test, hardness test, metalloscope and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The results confirmed that the strength and hardness decreases at first and then increases with increasing of Ce content. When the Ce content reaches 0.04%, pure coppers obtain fine microstructure and favorable comprehensive mechanical properties that the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation after annealing are 251, 116 MPa, and 37.22%, respectively. Over-added Ce results in second phases coarsening and non-homogeneous microstructures forming. Also, the Ce content in samples was measured by plasma emissive spectrum (PES), and the absorptivity of Ce reduces with increasing its addition.