Phase orientation, interface structure, and properties of aged Cu-6 wt.% Ag

The crystallographic orientation and interface structure of Ag precipitates were investigated for aged Cu-6 wt.% Ag. The hardness and resistivity were determined for the aged alloy for different times. Ag secondary particles form in the Cu matrix from a discontinuous precipitation and the precipitated cells extend with the increase in aging time. There are the cube-on-cube relationship and semicoherent interface between the Ag precipitate and the Cu matrix. Some dislocations are regularly arranged at the interface. The improvements of the hardness and conductivity can mainly be attributed to the increase in interface strengthening and the decrease in solute scattering in the Cu matrix during aging treatment. The high lattice-matching level and regular dislocation arrangement at the interface produce high strain resistance and low electron scattering.