Microstructure evolution in the CuAu alloy upon ordering after cold working

Microstructure of a cold-worked CuAu alloy ordering at various temperatures and annealing times was analyzed. Conditions under which either the ordering goes ahead of recrystallization or both of the processes occur simultaneously were determined. The role of the lamellar microstructure in retarding recrystallization was established. Electron-microscopic images of new grains that are prevented from subsequent growth by antiphase domain boundaries were obtained. The role of the cooperative mechanism (tandem) favoring recrystallization was clarified, and new single-domain grains surrounded by the matrix with a smaller degree of long-range order were revealed.