Effects of annealing temperature on structure and magnetic properties of mechanically alloyed Cu–Fe–Ti system

50Cu-40Fe-10Ti (wt. %) ternary alloy was synthesized using mechanical milling technique, aimed to enhancing both its solubility and magnetic behavior. A systematic investigation was conducted to explore the role of Ti content on the extent of Fe solubility within Cu matrix and its consequent impact on the magnetic behavior of the alloy. The structural, morphological, and magnetic properties of the alloy were comprehensively characterized using a combination of advanced analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements. According to the findings of the current investigation, the synthesized alloy was completely soluble in solid solution after 50 hrs of milling. Following annealing at 450°C for 1 hour, the resulting ball-milled alloy consisted predominantly of elemental copper, iron, and titanium, along with their corresponding oxides, as determined by quantitative phase analysis using X-ray diffraction. Moreover, the magnetic characteristics viz., coercivity, remnant magnetization and saturation magnetization attain their maximum values at around 401 Oe, 13.9 emu/gm and 49 emu/gm, respectively, obtained in the ball milled alloy after annealing at 450°C for 1 hour. These results demonstrate a tunable balance between magnetic hardness and saturation. Simulation revealed a Curie temperature of 175 K for the alloy, marking the transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic behaviour and defining the temperature range for stable magnetic performance. By optimizing mechanical milling and annealing parameters, ternary alloys can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of diverse technological applications. This work provides new insights about phase evolution, crystallite growth and strain relaxation directly influence magnetic behavior, such as saturation magnetization and coercivity. • 50Cu-40Fe-10Ti (wt. %) synthesized to enhanced solubility and magnetic behavior. • Synthesized alloy was completely soluble in solid solution after 50 hrs of milling. • Coercivity, remnant and saturation magnetization attain peak values after annealing. • Ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition occurs at Curie temperature of 175 K.