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.