Microstructure characterization and properties of CuFeCo heterostructure alloys

The microstructure and properties of Cu 66.6 (FeCo) 33.4 and Cu 60 (FeCo) 40 alloys were investigated. Microstructural observations show that CuFeCo alloys have formed dual-phase heterostructures comprising face-centered cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC) phases. The average grain size of the CuFeCo alloys after cold rolling and aging is less than 10 μm. Cu 66.6 (FeCo) 33.4 has better elongation and electrical conductivity, while Cu 60 (FeCo) 40 has better tensile strength, hardness, saturation magnetization, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness. An increased FeCo content in a finer second phase with a larger volume fraction, leading to more phase boundaries. This enhances the strength of the CuFeCo alloys while simultaneously reducing their elongation. The obtained results can be used for further development of alloys with FCC/BCC dual-phase heterostructures. • A dual phase structure with Cu-rich and FeCo-rich phases was formed in the alloys. • The more FeCo content, the finer the FeCo phase in CuFeCo alloy. • After annealing at 450 °C/10 h, the average grain size is less than 5 μm.