Mapping formation mechanisms and transformation regimes of multiple Fe precipitates in Cu-Fe-Co alloy during casting process

Precipitate features including size, morphology, crystal structure, etc., are important parameters determining the performance of precipitate-strengthened alloys. Multiple Fe precipitates were identified in as-cast Cu alloys exhibiting the distinct features, which dramatically influence mechanical properties. However, a complete understanding of precipitation behaviors of Fe particles during casting, in terms of both microscopic kinetics and thermodynamics, remains experimentally challenging. Here, we report the combined implementation of transmission electron microscopy, Thermo-Calc calculations and First-principles calculations to map mechanisms and growth regimes of Fe precipitation in a Cu-Fe-Co system. Our analyses support the idea that to understand the microstructural evolution in the system, both thermodynamic and kinetic arguments must be taken into account. Then, using our multi-approach strategy, the complete picture of the formation and transformation of Fe precipitates is proposed. This work is vital to promote microstructural design for Cu-Fe(-Co) systems, and sheds new insights into understanding of intricate precipitation in alloys.