Microstructure of internally oxidized layer in Ag–Sn–Cu alloy

Ag–7.49 wt%Sn–1.16 wt%Cu alloy was internally oxidized in air at 800 °C. The results showed that the size of dispersed particles and hardness in internally oxidized layer became larger with the distance from the surface of the specimens. The relationship between the depth of internally oxidized layer and oxidation time followed a parabolic law. The fracture stress of particles in internally oxidized layer increased with the particle radius increasing. Cold rolling was effective for internal oxidation because of the increased diffusivity of oxygen in internally oxidized layer. Internal oxidation of the alloy was found to be a process of reaction diffusion.