The Disordering of β Brass by Cold Work

Abstract

The electrical resistivities of an α-β brass, some α brasses of various zinc contents, and an aluminium bronze have been measured after various deformations by wire drawing. The resistivity of the duplex alloy increases steeply after about 80 per cent. reduction in area. This increase is shown to be due to the resistivity change of the β phase which probably becomes disordered on deformation. A recovery effect is observed in the duplex alloy on aging at room temperature, indicating that the disordered state is not stable. No recovery has been observed in single phase wires. Unusually large increases in resistivity of some a phase alloys with deformation hare been observed and may indicate that even these alloys are not completely disordered.