Microstructural, Mechanical and Electrical Behavior of Copper-Tin alloys Produced by Continuous Casting Technique

Copper-tin alloys with three tin contents of 0.18, 0.3, and 0.5wt.% was produced by continuous casting process at the temperature of 1150 and 1180 ℃ and speed of 3 and 5 m/min; then, microstructure, electrical, and mechanical properties of produced alloys were determined and compared with the pure copper. It was found that all casting samples have similar columnar grains, elongated radially from walls to the center. Also, the effect of Sn content on the columniation of grains is more sizeable than both other casting parameters. The results of scanning electron microscopy indicated that the produced alloys have a single-phase structure and Sn distribution is almost homogeneous in the copper. Additionally, electrical conductivity is slightly reduced by the increment of the alloying element whereas casting temperature and speed do not have a considerable effect.