This paper aims to develop an analysis of the influence of Zr in the modification of important characteristics of Al-EC-Si alloys used in electrical conductors, aiming to obtain heat resistant properties. For this study, the alloys were obtained by direct casting in a U-shaped ingot mold, from the Al-EC, with a base Si content of 0,7%, and then varying with different amounts of Zr. Intending o precipitate second phase particles called dispersoid, whose main characteristic is the retention of the deformed
microstructure when exposed to high temperatures, it was necessary to submit the alloys to a heat treatment of 310 ºC for 24 hours in order to cause the appearance of fine dispersoids of Al3Zr. Two steps were established to obtain the results: The Step I was composed of solidification, machining and deformation obtained with the alloys, generating the wires used in all tests. The Step II repeats the same processes adopted in the Step I, however a heat treatment of 310 ºC for 24 hours was made before deformation. The heat resistance characterization of the specimens of each
alloy followed the requirements of COPEL (Companhia Paranaense de Energia Elétrica ) when submitted to temperatures of 230 ºC for 24 hours, and heat treatments at temperatures of 310 ºC and 390 ºC were also made to evaluate the thermal stability of the alloys. In general, it was observed that crescent contents of Zr results in a grain refinement and a increase of the Ultimate Tensile Strength and thermal stability of the alloy, both in the Step I and Step II. It was also observed that in Step I, the electrical conductivity was severely affected by the Zr contents and the addition of heat treatment in Step II increased the electrical conductivity of the alloy,
particularly to diameters that suffered higher deformation.
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