A high strength Cu-based alloy containing superlattice structures

Cu86Zr11Al3, a Cu-based composite, was synthesized by copper mold casting. The composite showed a unique microstructure consisting of a ductile Cu crystalline phase and a hard superlattice phase. Uniaxial compression tests revealed a high strength (1.0–1.6 GPa) and fracture strain (9.2–15.0%). We report the mechanism underlying the observed mechanical properties of the composite in relation to its unique microstructure.