Microstructure and mechanical behavior of nanostructured composite Cu ₆₀Fe₄₀ alloy

In this study, bulk nanostructured composite Cu₆₀Fe₄₀ alloy is prepared by a combustion synthesis technique. The prepared Cu ₆₀Fe₄₀ alloy consists of Cu(Fe) solid solution and Fe(Cu) solid solution phases. The large-scaled compositional segregation in the Cu-rich and Fe-rich phases is not observed, respectively. A few micron-sized dendrite (Fe(Cu) solid solution) is embedded into the nanostructured matrix (Cu(Fe) solid solution). The grain size of the matrix is in the range 50-300 nm. The yield and fracture strength of the Cu₆₀Fe₄₀ alloy are 540 and 1050 MPa, respectively, and the fracture strain obtained from the compression test is about 20.9%. The Cu₆₀Fe₄₀ alloy displays notable work hardening in the compressive deformation.