Coordinated deformation behavior of Cu-10wt.%FeC alloys through controlling structure, morphology and distribution of Fe–C phases

The phase transformation and coordinated deformation behaviors of Cu-10wt.%FeC alloys in the different thermo-mechanical treatment conditions were systematically studied. The results reveal that the γ-Fe (FCC FeC-rich phase), and α-Fe (BCC FeC-rich phase) are simultaneously formed in the rapidly solidified alloy. Although the martensite transformation can be further induced in the alloy by a solution and quenching treatment, the strength and elongation are all reduced compared with the rapidly solidified alloy. Additionally, the martensite transformation of γ-Fe (FCC) →α-Fe (BCC) can be induced in the two alloys during the 80% cold rolling, and resulting in the significantly increased strength. But the alloy without a solution and quenching treatment possesses the higher strength. Particularly, under the same strength conditions, the alloys in the final cold rolling state can still have a higher elongation than those of traditional Cu-based composites strengthened by ceramic particles (no phase transformation). The mechanisms of phase transformation and coordinated deformation of alloys were also deeply discussed in the paper.