Microstructural characteristics in tough pitch copper for revealing the work hardening region

To reveal localized plastic deformation zones in a tough pitch copper, the etching characteristics of a copper sample have been examined. The etching was carried out on a sample surface using an etchant consisting of 25 ml nitric acid solution and 75 ml water. To clarify the plastic deformation zone, the sample deformed plastically was heated to between 250oC and 300oC before the etching process. This is due to a change of the microstructure and crystal orientation in the plastic deformation zone producing recrystallized small grains. In this case, the plastically deformed zone is severely etched, whereas the undeformed zone is only slightly etched. Identification of the details of the deformation zone from the etching is further discussed.