The microstructures and properties of Cu-1.5Ni-0.27Si
alloy under different heat treatment conditions were examined by mechanical and
electrical properties measurement, optical and transmission electron microscopes observation. The results show that the obvious deformation textures present in this alloy after rapid hot-rolling and water quenching without a marked dynamic recrystallization. And only few
precipitate phases can be observed by using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The microhardness (HV) and relative electrical
conductivity reach HV 158 (peak value) and 44%(IACS)
respectively followed by aged at 450 ℃ for 4 h. There exists a clear orientation relationship between the precipitate δ-Ni_2Si and copper matrix as follows: (110)_m∥(211)_(
ppt),_m ∥_(ppt). After being cold rolled with 80% deformation, its σ_b, σ_(0.2), HV, elongation and relative electrical conductivity(IACS)reach 578 MPa, 573 MPa, HV 173, 3% and 41.5%, respectively. The alloy is strengthened by the precipitate δ-Ni_2Si through Orowan looping mechanism.