Cu-Zr binary alloy consisting of ultrafine eutectic microstructure

Abstract

In this study, we prepared Cu-Zr binary alloys reinforced with an ultra-fine eutectic microstructure. The alloys consisted of alternating layers of a hard superlattice phase and a ductile Cu phase with a very fine interlamellar spacing of similar to 60 nm. The hard superlattice phase attributed the enhancement in the strength, while the laminated eutectic structure helped improve the plasticity of the alloys, making their mechanical properties comparable to the earlier reported high strength alloys. This paper discussed the fundamental microstructural aspects that influence the unique mechanical properties of the alloys.