Interface structure and energy in Cu–71.8 wt.% Ag

The as-cast eutectic Cu–71.8 wt.% Ag was prepared. The orientation relationship and interface structure of Cu and Ag phases were investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The interface energies and nucleation rates in the formation of different orientation relationships were discussed. The Cu and Ag eutectic lamellae can form the cube-on-cube and hetero-twin orientation relationships and the occurrence probabilities of the two orientation relationships are approximate in the solidification of the eutectic structure. There are misfit dislocations and monolayer steps at the interface between both phases having the cube-on-cube or hetero-twin relationship. The twin fault and lattice mismatch energies at the interface result only in an insignificant effect on the formation of different orientation relationships between both phases of the eutectic laminae.