Microstructures and tensile deformation behavior of Cu–16 wt.%Ag binary alloy

The microstructures and tensile deformation behavior of Cu–16 wt.%Ag binary alloy with coarse grains were investigated by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). No precipitate was found in both eutectic Cu and Ag phases, whereas abundant precipitates were observed in proeutectic Cu matrix. Slip bands appear in the dendrites, though they are abundant in precipitates, and this can be attributed to the cube-on-cube orientation relationship and the coplanar slip systems between them. Slip bands can penetrate continuously through the eutectic region and the dendrites. The EBSD results revealed that they always had the same orientation. The tensile stress–strain curves displayed certain work-hardening behavior and high elongation. The highly continuous slip deformation mode and the good strain compatibility between matrix and the eutectic region will be beneficial to the high elongation of the Cu–Ag alloy.