Cu-Ni-Sn alloys have been widely used in the aerospace industry, the electronics industry, and other fields due to their excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, high strength, corrosion and wear resistance, etc., which make Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloys the perfect alternative to Cu-Be alloys. This paper begins with how Cu-Ni-Sn alloys are prepared. Then, the microstructural features, especially the precipitation order of each phase, are described. In addition, the influence of alloying elements, such as Si, Ti, and Nb, on its microstructure and properties is discussed. Finally, the effects of plastic deformation and heat treatment on Cu-Ni-Sn alloys are discussed. This review is able to provide insight into the development of novel Cu-Ni-Sn alloys with a high performance.
Keywords: Cu–Ni–Sn; alloy; microstructure; processing; property.