The microstructure and mechanical properties of a Cu–Cr–Ag alloy at the different processing stages were investigated using hardness measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The combined effects of dislocation strengthening and precipitation strengthening were shown to remarkably enhance the hardness of the alloy. Coherent Cr-rich precipitates with a face-centred cubic structure, formed during aging, were shown to be the main source of age strengthening, and the introduction of pre-deformation led to acceleration of their precipitation. Nevertheless, recovery occurring during aging caused significant softening in the cold-drawn samples. Analysis of the microstructural evolution during cold drawing and aging was used as an effective tool to optimise the thermomechanical process and improve the mechanical properties.

The softening behavior of a cold-drawn Cu–Cr–In alloy was investigated during annealing between 450 °C and 700 °C. The properties and microstructure evolution of the alloy were characterized using a microhardness tester, electron back-scatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Elemental In addition was found to hinder the dislocation movement and delay the recovery and recrystallization of the Cu–Cr–In alloy. The experimental data were analyzed using the Johnson–Mehlv–Avramiv–Kolmogorov model. The activation energy of recrystallization of the 60% cold-drawn Cu0.54Cr0.17In alloy was 188.29 ± 18.44 kJ/mol, and the recrystallization mechanism of the alloy was attributed mainly to Cu self-diffusion.