Phases interface in deformation processed Cu–15 wt.%Cr composite prepared by elemental powders

Interface characteristics of the deformation processed composite prepared by mutual insoluble elemental powders of Cu and Cr were investigated by SEM and HREM. The SEM results reveal that the interface between Cu and Cr phases is rough and beneficial to mechanical interlocking. The HREM results show that a significant diffusion exceeded mutual solubility between Cu and Cr exists in a range of 40 nm, and nano-crystalline microstructure of different phases is found at the interface. The formation of such interface structures is discussed and attributed to the manufacture process and different phase properties. Rather than a simple mechanical interlocking, the interface is an organic combination and can enhance the composite properties.