Effect of Accelerated Fe-Rich Precipitation Induced by Ag Addition on the Microstructure and Comprehensive Properties of Cu-10 Wt Pct Fe Alloys

In this study, the effect of accelerated Fe-rich precipitation caused by Ag addition on the refinement of solidified microstructure and the improvement of electrical, mechanical, and magnetic properties of Cu-10Fe alloys was systematically investigated. Firstly, the quadruple refinement of Cu grains, micron-sized primary Fe-rich spheres and dendrites, and nano-sized Fe-rich precipitates in as-cast Cu-10Fe alloys was induced by the accelerated Fe-rich precipitation. Secondly, the saturation magnetization of as-cast Cu-10Fe alloys was improved, which is mainly dominated by the accelerated precipitation of micron-sized Fe-rich spheres and dendrites, rather than that of nano-sized Fe-rich precipitates. Moreover, the yield strength of cold-rolled Cu-10Fe alloys was increased, which can be attributed to the accelerated precipitation of nano-sized Fe-rich phases and their pinning effect on dislocation movement during cold-rolling. In the end, the synergistic enhancement of strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity of aged Cu-10Fe alloys was obtained by Ag addition, which guides the preparation of high-performance Cu-Fe alloys.