Effect of Ag on the aging characteristics of Cu–Fe in situ composites

Aging characteristics of Cu–12Fe and Cu–11Fe–6Ag in situ composites were investigated. Curves of Vickers hardness vs. temperature, and electrical conductivity vs. temperature for the aged composites were plotted. Cu–11Fe–6Ag exhibits special hardness and conductivity peaks at about 350 °C. Microstructure investigations by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the presence of Ag can harden the composite at temperatures lower than 350 °C and accelerate the precipitation kinetics of Fe in the copper matrix.