Effect of silicon on microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu-Fe alloys

Abstract The influence of Si addition on microstructure and compressive mechanical properties of as-cast (Cu-10Fe)-xSi (x = 0, 2 wt%) alloys has been investigated. The addition of Si leads to the microstructural refinement and the secondary separated phases, as a result of the change of diffusion process and solubility during solidification. Following the evolution of microstructure, the yield strength of the alloys is significantly enhanced from 180 MPa to 285 MPa. Accordingly, it is believed that the addition of only 2 wt% Si on the Cu-10Fe alloy can lead to the microstructural evolution such as the microstructural refinement and the formation of secondary separated phases with significantly improved mechanical properties. In this study, the relationship between microstructural features and mechanical properties will be discussed via hardening effects, such as Hall-Petch strengthening, solid-solution hardening and precipitation hardening effect.