Abstract 

The effect of the aging heat treatment on the mechanical properties and the microstructure of a medium strength high electrical conductivity Cu–Ni–Si alloy was investigated within the frame of this work. Tensile, bend and hardness testing, in addition to optical, scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction, were employed as the main analytical techniques, in the context of the present investigation. Results showed that the average grain size did not exhibit major differences for different aging conditions, while the formation of a more oriented texture with the progression of the aging treatment was observed. Superior mechanical properties were identified in the peak-aged condition for the specimens aged at the lowest temperature. Post-necking and total elongation values increased substantially after extreme overaging. The bending surfaces exhibited a degradation up to the point of peak aging from where on an improvement of the bending folds’quality was observed.