Effect of lattice strain on the electrical conductivity of rapidly solidified copper-iron metastable alloys

Copper-iron alloys (CFAs) with composition CFAX; x = 10, 30 and 50 at% Fe were prepared by gas atomization process, sintered and heat treated in vacuum. Rapid solidification and the incorporation of Fe into Cu hint at strain generation in the lattice bringing changes in electrical conductivity. The origin of this strain is discussed using structural and electrical properties. The substitutional solid solution formed between Cu and Fe due to rapid solidification was decomposed during heat treatment in all the three compositions, followed by the increase in Fe particle size, decrease in lattice strain and increase in electrical conductivity.