Texture development in Cu-Ag-Fe triphase immiscible nanocomposites with superior thermal stability

Nanocrystalline metals attract intensive interests due to their high strength, excellent wear resistance and su-perior radiation. However, grain coarsening at elevated temperatures can lead to significant property degrada-tion, impairing their potentials for high temperature applications. Here, we report a unique interplay of immiscible Cu, Ag, Fe grains in stabilizing the grain structure and tailoring the texture development. The Cu50Ag50 alloy experiences drastic grain coarsening after annealing at 600 degrees C and 700 degrees C. In contrast, the Cu-Ag-Fe nanocomposites exhibit much smaller grain size upon annealing. Interestingly, while the Cu50Ag50 alloy displays random nanocrystal orientation, highly textured Cu-Ag-Fe nanocomposites form. Furthermore, the composition of Fe plays a dominant role in changing the texture of nanocomposites from (111) Ag (Cu) and (110) Fe in Cu45Ag45Fe10, to prominent (110) Ag (Cu) and (100) Fe in Cu33Ag33Fe34. The fundamental mechanisms behind the texture formation and evolution are discussed. This study provides a fresh perspective to the design of stable nanocomposites with tunable texture.

Automated summary

Nanocrystalline metals are of great interest due to their high strength, excellent wear resistance, and superior radiation properties. However, grain coarsening at elevated temperatures can degrade their properties, limiting their potential for high temperature applications. In this study, an interplay of immiscible Cu, Ag, Fe grains is reported to stabilize the grain structure and tailor texture development. Cu50Ag50 alloy experiences grain coarsening, while Cu-Ag-Fe nanocomposites exhibit smaller grain sizes after annealing. The composition of Fe plays a dominant role in changing the texture of the nanocomposites. This study provides insights for designing stable nanocomposites with tunable texture.