Increasing zinc content up to 28 wt. % zinc was found to increase stress
level and ductility. Degrees of cold drawing up to 99% reduction in cross
sectional area increase stress level while decrease ductility for the different Cu-
Zn alloys studied. Annealing after cold drawing increases ductility but
decreases stress level. Abrupt decrease in ductility was observed after high
temperature annealing of highly drawn wires and specially for alloys, with high
Zn content. The results were discussed according to current solid solution
hardening mechanisms, roughening of slip planes, locking of extended
dislocations and difficulty of cross slipping.