  The new high strength high electrical conductivity materials are demanded for
advanced electric applications. Among them Cu-Ag and Cu-Nb wires are promising
materials for generators of strong and variable magnetic fields production.
Review of selected results of the studies into Cu-Ag and Cu-Nb based composite
materials shows presence of various, not always well explained, mechanisms and
phenomena which are observed during their production, examination and
applications. Two classical copper alloys (with silver and with niobium) were
selected for the investigations. The third material used in the studies was
produced by bundle drawing of niobium wire in copper tube without classical
melting and casting. Microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties were
presented in relation to processing technology.
