Isothermal decomposition of the Cu–22.72Al–3.55Be at.% alloy

The isothermal decomposition of the β phase in a Cu–22.72Al–3.55Be at.% alloy was investigated. On aging the alloy at 623, 673 and 723 K, the β phase was found to decompose by the precipitation of γ2 and α phases, followed by eutectoid decomposition. The times involved in these process are considerably larger than those belonging to Cu–Zn–Al alloys with similar characteristics, showing a greater thermal stability of the β-Cu–Al–Be phase. The γ2 particles are comparatively richer in aluminum and beryllium content than the matrix.