Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Fe Alloys via Powder Metallurgy

Copper Ferro Alloys (CFAs) have an excellent shielding effect in the electromagnetic field, as well as the similar good conductivity and ductility with copper, and strong magnetism and toughness as analogous to iron. Consequently, it is considered to be novel structural and functional materials with huge development potential and wide application foreground. The influence of the content, size and distribution of Fe phase in the Cu matrix on the electromagnetic shielding property of CFAs is crucial. In the present study, CFAs with various Fe content were fabricated via powder metallurgy (P/M) combining with deformation processing. The microstructure, electrical conductivity, magnetic and mechanical properties of CFAs were investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and tensile test. The results indicated that P/M CFAs with the homogenous and fine in-situ Fe particles showed better comprehensive performance compared to those prepared by conventional casting. Based on the microstructure observation, mechanical properties were discussed.